Risk Reversal? A Nation at Risk Anniversary Fact Sheet

In 1983, A Nation at Risk sounded the alarm about the state of education in the United States and our future ability to compete on the world stage. Declining SAT scores and poor student performance on international comparisons reinforced an already growing sense that the country’s future economic dominance was at risk and that schools were failing to meet the nation’s current and future needs.

The 25th anniversary of A Nation at Risk is an important moment in time for the education reform movement because, for the first time in 25 years of fits and starts, Achieve believes that there is more consensus, momentum and urgency now than at any time since A Nation at Risk was released; consensus that will ultimately improve student achievement, prepare high school graduates for success in college, career and life and keep America competitive. States, and their partners, are leading the way on meeting the common goal of high school graduation, with a college and career ready diploma, for all. The advancements are strong and encouraging. Achieve will continue to lead the way to ensure all high school graduates are prepared for success in college, career and life.