Summary
New data shows that U.S. students in grades three to eight are still behind in reading and math due to the effects of the pandemic. Reading scores have not improved, while math scores have shown slight improvement, but still fall short of pre-pandemic levels. NWEA, a testing organization, released this data and introduced a new tool to help schools and policymakers understand student performance better.
Key Facts
- The data comes from the NWEA's Spring 2025 MAP Growth assessment.
- Reading scores for students in grades three through eight remain at pandemic-era levels.
- Slight improvements in math scores have been recorded, but they are still below 2019 levels.
- Performance issues in reading and math are consistent across different races and poverty levels.
- The NWEA has launched a new dashboard to provide updated student performance data more frequently.
- The dashboard will be updated three times a year, unlike the Nation's Report Card which updates every two years.
- Experts see these data updates as crucial for monitoring student recovery post-pandemic.
