U.S. Student Learning Post-Pandemic

New research shows U.S. students are still behind in math and reading compared to pre-pandemic levels. The Education Recovery Scorecard offers detailed data on student learning, highlighting disparities between high-income and low-income districts. Chronic absenteeism remains a significant issue affecting student achievement.

Cuts to Institute of Education Sciences

The Institute of Education Sciences within the U.S. Department of Education is facing significant cuts and contract terminations, impacting research on teaching practices and student achievement. The cuts are part of an efficiency move by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, under the Trump administration. Concerns have been raised about the impact on education research and data collection.

Impact of COVID-19 on Student Achievement in Math and Reading

New data from the Nation's Report Card shows that while some progress has been made in math scores for fourth and eighth graders after the disruptions caused by COVID-19, most students are still performing below pre-pandemic levels. The pandemic worsened existing struggles in student achievement that began before COVID-19, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current education policies and practices.