Title: The Pandemic’s Lasting Impact on Reading Skills in US Students The recent testing data from NWEA reveals that third- through eighth-grade students in the United States are still struggling with their reading skills even after two years of recovery from the pandemic. This is a concerning development, as it shows that despite efforts to help students catch up on lost learning time, there has been little progress made in improving their reading abilities. The data also highlights an alarming trend: student achievement in math either held steady or improved slightly during this period, but all grades remain behind the performance levels of same-grade students in 2019. This suggests that while some subjects may be recovering more quickly than others, overall academic progress is still lagging compared to pre-pandemic times. Karyn Lewis, vice president of research at NWEA, emphasizes the urgency of addressing this issue: “Math is crawling back, however modestly, but reading isn’t budging.” She warns against ignoring these results and suggests that accepting them as permanent would be a mistake. Instead, she calls for continued efforts to support students in their academic recovery. To help schools and policymakers better understand how their students are faring compared to the broader population, NWEA has developed a new performance dashboard. This tool will allow educators to compare their students’ progress with that of other schools across the country, providing valuable insights into areas where additional support may be needed. The stagnation in reading scores is consistent regardless of race/ethnicity or school poverty level, indicating that this issue affects all segments of society equally. This underscores the importance of addressing it through comprehensive strategies and targeted interventions at both individual and systemic levels. In conclusion, while there are some signs of improvement in math achievement, the persistent struggles with reading skills among US students highlight the need for continued attention and investment in educational recovery efforts. The pandemic’s lasting impact on learning cannot be underestimated, and it is crucial that we work together to ensure all children have access to quality education that equips them with the necessary skills for success in life.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/10/14/nx-s1-5570756/test-scores-math-reading-students-pandemic)
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