In the 2nd consecutive report in a month, national student test scores showed lack of academic progress and even declines versus pre-pandemic levels in reading and math.
The New York Times reports that the NWEA, a research organization that analyzed the results, had hoped that students would be learning at an accelerated rate, compared to the previous academic year. The NWEA Study surveyed 3.5 million public school students in third through eighth grade.
In fact, students in most grades showed slower than average growth in math and reading, when compared with students before the pandemic. That means learning gaps created during the pandemic are not closing — if anything, the gaps may be widening.
“We are actually seeing evidence of backsliding,” said Karyn Lewis, a lead researcher on the study.
On average, students need the equivalent of an additional 4.5 months of instruction in math, and an extra four months in reading to catch up to the typical prepandemic student. That’s on top of regular classroom time. Older students, who generally learn at a slower rate and face more challenging material, are the furthest behind.
Students who do not catch up may be less likely to go to college and, research has shown, could earn $70,000 less over their lifetimes.
At Quest Academy,
– our students experienced a 10% increase in mathematics scores in Middle School, while winning awards and recognition on a local and national level.
– Our students distinguish themselves in debate, documentary film and performance art.
– Among our graduating class, four students were accepted into the Illinois Math & Science Academy, while others will be entering elite area high schools at the Honors level.
Quest Academy is still accepting applications in select grades.
