US student test scores nosedive post-pandemic: ‘Nation’s report card’

Lack of in-person classroom education has dropped math and reading scores in the country to levels not seen in decades, per an assessment widely considered the “nation’s report card.”

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) exams, which are conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), were taken by age-9 students before the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020 and then again early this year.

These tests have been conducted for the last 50 years to assess the long-term trend of educational progress in the country.

The average 2022 scores have plummeted five points in reading—the largest decline since 1990—and seven points in math, the first ever decline in the subject, results showed.

‘Disturbing, not surprising’
“That is very alarming. It’s disturbing. But it’s not surprising, keeping in mind a year and a half ago half our schools were not open for full-time learning,” Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona told CNN.

However, NCES commissioner Peggy Carr said the pandemic was not the only reason behind learning disruptions.

“School shootings, violence, and classroom disruptions are up, as are teacher and staff vacancies, absenteeism, cyberbullying, and students’ use of mental health services. This information provides some important context for the results we’re seeing from the long-term trend assessment,” she said.