A national analysis led by researchers at Harvard University and Stanford University shows that elementary and middle school students have made some progress in recovering from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, students still have a long way to go before being caught up, with some students potentially never catching up. The analysis looked at test scores for students in 8,000 school districts in 30 states during the first full year of post-pandemic recovery, showing that students recovered about a third of what they lost in math and a quarter of what they lost in reading. Alabama was the only state to exceed pre-pandemic achievement levels in math, while only Illinois, Louisiana, and Mississippi saw average achievement above pre-pandemic levels in reading.
Despite the gains made, concerns are growing that momentum could stall when federal aid expires in September, leading to potential setbacks in student recovery. The gap between students from rich and poor districts has widened, with poorer districts falling further behind. The research found that students from poorer districts are still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels in most states, even in states where average achievement exceeds pre-pandemic levels. Schools are advised to notify parents of children who are falling behind so they can enroll in summer school. President Joe Biden’s administration has urged states to focus on increasing school attendance, providing tutoring, after-school programs, and summer school.
Experts warn that the deep learning setbacks incurred during the pandemic could have long-term impacts on students’ lives, affecting their earning potential and increasing the likelihood of negative outcomes such as teenage motherhood and incarceration. The U.S. could end up with a less skilled workforce in the future as a result of learning loss, leading to a significant loss in GDP. The president of the American Federation of Teachers emphasizes the need for experiential and hands-on learning to help students thrive and be prepared for the opportunities of today and tomorrow. However, teacher shortages across many states are further challenging efforts to support students’ recovery post-pandemic.
Even before the pandemic, schools have struggled to recruit and retain enough teachers in some areas, with factors such as low pay contributing to many leaving the profession. Teacher shortages are complicating efforts to ensure that students recover from the pandemic’s disruptions. States need to make investments in teacher education programs to address the shortage. In addition to teacher shortages, educators in some states are facing challenges related to restrictions on discussions of race, gender, and sexuality in the classroom. This limits teachers’ ability to meet the needs of children and provide a comprehensive education. It is crucial to provide teachers with the necessary tools, training, support, and compensation to effectively support student recovery post-pandemic.
