Understanding the Factors Behind Ongoing Student Setbacks: Why Recovery is Stronger in Math Than Reading

Despite expectations that students were bouncing back from the pandemic, recent results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the "Nation's Report Card" revealed a concerning trend: test scores for fourth and eighth graders continue to decline in reading, with only a slight improvement in math.

Martin West, an education expert and academic dean at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, sheds some light on this troubling trend. In a recent interview, he pointed out that while the pandemic may have exacerbated some issues, the roots of these declines run much deeper.

Chronic Absenteeism: A Persistent Challenge

First up is chronic absenteeism, a term that gained prominence during the pandemic. While absenteeism increased during those years and remains a significant issue, it’s essential to note that it’s not the only culprit behind falling scores. In fact, West highlights that we’ve been witnessing a decline in reading skills since as far back as 2015. What we’re currently seeing is more of a continuation of a decade-long trend, rather than an isolated aftermath of the pandemic.

Other Contributing Factors

So, if absenteeism isn’t the only reason, what else is there? West identifies several factors influencing student performance, with two particularly striking ones: the rise of social media and increased screen time for kids during the 2010s. These shifts have undoubtedly changed how students engage with reading. Additionally, the relaxation of test-based accountability policies around that same time has meant less emphasis on responding to tests' results, leading to less action on the issues these assessments highlighted.

The Growing Achievement Gap

Another eye-opening aspect of the new NAEP results is the widening achievement gap between student groups. For instance, in Massachusetts, the data shows that the gap is growing wider, particularly when comparing higher-achieving students (often White and Asian, or non-economically disadvantaged) with their Black, Latino, and economically disadvantaged peers. Although there was some progress in fourth-grade math, lower-achieving students felt the stagnation, which reflects a troubling national trend linked closely to race and economic status.

Massachusetts and National Trends

Massachusetts has long been a beacon of educational success—but even this top-ranking state is facing its challenges. The latest NAEP results are a mixed bag; while fourth-grade math scores showed a slight bounce back, eighth-grade math scores fell, and reading scores failed to budge. The state's Literacy Launch program aims to address these issues in literacy, but as West points out, even Massachusetts' impressive rankings can't hide the reality of persistent learning gaps.

The Road Ahead

So, where do we go from here? The road to recovery in education is going to take a comprehensive approach. West contends that math is more influenced by classroom factors, like instructional time and curriculum quality, which could explain why it’s recovering faster than reading. Hopefully, initiatives like the Literacy Launch will mark an important step toward enhancing literacy skills, but there remains much work to do in closing the achievement gap and ensuring every student has a fair shot at success. Such work can start right in the home.

At Vault Prep, we strive to incorporate reading in the pursuit of learning - we read to become better at reading everything for the rest of our lives. We believe that by reading, students not only improve their reading skills but also lay the foundation for becoming better communicators, more confident risk-takers, sharper thinkers, and, ultimately, lifelong learners. The possibilities for growth and achievement are limitless.

In conclusion, while the pandemic undeniably shook up education, multiple factors—like chronic absenteeism, evolving testing policies, and wider social trends—continue to impact student achievement today. And it’s worthwhile to start there. It’s more important than ever for families, educators, and policymakers to join forces in tackling these challenges and paving the way for a more equitable educational landscape for all students.

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