npr.org 16 days ago URGENCY: 6/10
Declining Test Scores: A Pre-COVID Crisis
The latest Education Scorecard reveals that the decline in U.S. student test scores began long before COVID-19. Discover how schools are making gains amidst a decade-long 'learning recession'.
Understanding the Learning Recession
The recent Education Scorecard highlights a troubling trend: the decline in math and reading scores among U.S. students has been ongoing for nearly a decade. This decline, termed a 'learning recession,' predates the pandemic, with significant drops noted as early as 2013. While the pandemic exacerbated these issues, the roots of the problem run deeper.
Key findings from the Scorecard include:
- Most states are finally seeing improvements in math scores.
- Federal relief funds have aided low-income districts in recovery efforts.
- States that have made legislative changes in reading instruction are witnessing gains.
Despite these positive developments, many states still struggle with reading scores. The report emphasizes that understanding the long-term trends is crucial for educators and policymakers aiming to reverse this decline and restore the progress made in previous decades.