"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world." — Nelson Mandela
Let’s dive into something that has the power to shape futures: education. Specifically, how it's grappling with the aftershocks of the pandemic. The latest data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)—commonly called “The Nation’s Report Card”—is in, and the findings aren’t pretty.
Student achievement, especially in reading, has taken a serious hit. In fact, the situation is so dire that one researcher estimated this learning loss could cost trillions in future earnings. Yes, trillions. It’s not just about grades—this is about futures, opportunities, and the economy.
Let’s break it down.
Reading Scores Are Plummeting
The data reveals a staggering decline: nearly a third of eighth graders scored “below basic” in reading. To put that in perspective, “below basic” means struggling with things like understanding the plot of a story or grasping common words. Essentially, these students are missing the fundamental skills they need to succeed in school—and in life.
But here’s the kicker: this isn’t just a COVID problem. Reading scores were already slipping before the pandemic. The crisis simply poured gasoline on a fire that was already burning. Chronic absenteeism and a decline in reading for pleasure are likely culprits. Kids are reading less, and it shows.
A Glimmer of Hope in Louisiana
Not all the news is grim. Louisiana managed to buck the trend by increasing its pre-pandemic reading scores. The secret? They doubled down on the “science of reading.”
This approach emphasizes phonics—breaking words down into sounds—over memorizing sight words. It’s systematic, research-backed, and equips students with the tools to decode new words on their own. Louisiana’s success suggests that targeted interventions like this can make a real difference.
Math: A Mixed Bag
Over in math land, fourth graders showed a small improvement in scores. But eighth graders? Not so much. Their scores are stagnant, and they’re still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels.
What’s behind the difference? It might come down to how we teach these subjects. Early math concepts like addition and subtraction are easier to reinforce through online tools than more advanced reading skills, which require focus and comprehension.
The Widening Achievement Gap
One of the most troubling findings is how the pandemic has exacerbated existing disparities. High-achieving students are bouncing back faster, while the lowest-performing students are falling further behind.
For example, the top 10% of eighth-grade math students improved their scores, while the bottom 10% saw a decline. This isn’t just an education problem—it’s a social equity problem.
So, What’s the Fix?
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of the problem, but solutions do exist. Here are a few promising approaches:
- Invest in Early Reading Programs: Louisiana’s success with the science of reading shows that targeted, research-based instruction works. Expanding access to these programs could help struggling readers catch up.
- Embrace Personalized Learning: Technology can help tailor lessons to individual student needs, making it easier to address specific learning gaps.
- Focus on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Academic success is intertwined with emotional well-being. Programs that teach mindfulness, emotional regulation, and healthy relationships can set students up for long-term success.
- Support Teachers: Educators are on the front lines of this crisis. Providing them with the training, resources, and mental health support they need is crucial.
- Cultivate a Love of Reading: Encourage kids to read for pleasure. Trips to the library, reading aloud, or even starting a family book club can help build those foundational skills.
The Bigger Picture
Ultimately, this is about more than just test scores. It’s about equipping young people with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Education isn’t just a policy issue—it’s a human one.
So here’s a challenge for you: Think about your role in this. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or community member, what can you do to support the students in your life?
The road ahead isn’t easy, but with urgency, innovation, and collaboration, we can start to bridge these gaps. After all, every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential.