Pandemic's Shadow: Early Learners Fall Behind

The educational impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect today's youngest students, many of whom were infants or not yet born when the crisis began in early 2020. A recent report indicates that first and second graders are still underperforming compared to their pre-pandemic peers in both math and reading assessments.

While math scores have shown a gradual increase year over year, reading scores have plateaued since the spring of 2021. Researchers at NWEA suggest that the persistent academic lag may stem from systemic issues both inside and outside of schools, including fewer parents reading to young children. Furthermore, missed opportunities for early childhood experiences like play and museum visits during lockdowns may hinder language and literacy development, particularly for children from lower-income families.

In response, some regions are bolstering early education initiatives. California has implemented universal pre-kindergarten, and New York City is expanding its program to include two-year-olds. New Mexico is offering free childcare to most families, aiming to provide critical early learning experiences and support for literacy development.