Instant Insight
30-Second Take
- The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented declines in student reading and math proficiency in the U.S.
- National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores show significant drops in reading and math performance for 4th and 8th graders between 2019 and 2022.
- These declines represent decades of lost academic progress and highlight urgent needs for educational reforms.
+ Dive Deeper
Quick Brief
2-Minute Digest
Essential Context
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on U.S. education, particularly in reading and math proficiency. The latest data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reveals that student performance in these subjects has plummeted to levels not seen since the 1990s.
Core Players
- Annie E. Casey Foundation – A leading organization tracking children’s well-being and education.
- National Center for Education Statistics – Administers the NAEP and provides education data.
- U.S. Department of Education – Oversees national education policies and initiatives.
Key Numbers
- 3 points: Drop in average reading score for 4th graders from 2019 to 2022.
- 5 points: Drop in average math score for 4th graders from 2019 to 2022.
- 8 points: Drop in average math score for 8th graders from 2019 to 2022.
- 34%: Percentage of 4th-grade students below the basic reading level.
- 66%: Percentage of 4th-grade children who cannot read proficiently.
+ Full Analysis
Full Depth
Complete Coverage
The Catalyst
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional schooling, leading to extended periods of remote learning and significant gaps in educational instruction. This disruption has resulted in the largest decline in math performance in 4th and 8th grades since the NAEP testing program began in 1990.
“These declines represent decades of lost progress,” according to Peggy Carr, the commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics.
Inside Forces
The educational system has struggled to adapt to the pandemic, with many schools lacking the resources and infrastructure to support effective remote learning. This has disproportionately affected low-income and minority students, who often have limited access to technology and stable internet connections.
States are now focusing on bolstering science-based reading instruction and intensive interventions to help students who started school during the pandemic and may struggle more with foundational reading skills.
Power Dynamics
The educational landscape is influenced by a complex interplay of federal, state, and local policies. The U.S. Department of Education plays a crucial role in setting national education standards, while state and local authorities implement these policies and allocate resources.
Parents, educators, and community leaders are also key stakeholders, advocating for better support and resources to address the current educational crisis.
Outside Impact
The decline in reading and math scores has broader implications for the economy and society. Students who are not proficient in these subjects are more likely to face unemployment and low-paying jobs, contributing to economic inequality and social disparities.
“The failure to adequately prepare our children will have dire consequences for their futures and for the economic vitality of our nation,” warns the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Future Forces
Looking ahead, there are signs of recovery. Studies like the one by Amplify found that students at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year were more prepared for school than they were the previous year. However, significant challenges remain.
- Implementing science-based reading instruction.
- Providing intensive interventions for struggling students.
- Improving access to technology and stable internet connections.
- Developing and funding comprehensive educational recovery plans.
Data Points
- 2019-2022: Period during which NAEP scores showed significant declines.
- 217: Average reading score for 4th graders in 2022, down from 220 in 2019.
- 260: Average reading score for 8th graders in 2022, down from 263 in 2019.
- 236: Average math score for 4th graders in 2022, down from 241 in 2019.
- 274: Average math score for 8th graders in 2022, down from 282 in 2019.
The urgent need to address the declining reading and math scores among U.S. students underscores a critical moment in education. As the country moves forward, it is imperative to implement effective educational reforms and support systems to ensure that future generations are adequately prepared for the challenges of a competitive global economy.
