In national news yesterday it was reported that alarming new details about the devastating impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on America's children. A newly released national education assessment reveals that fourth and eighth graders fell behind in reading and had the largest decline ever in math scores.
The math scores are historic, the worst decline ever recorded, with roughly 25 percent of fourth graders and 38 percent of eighth graders performing below the basic level. The lowest of the three achievement levels for the test.
Students who were already struggling in school showed the most dramatic drop off. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona calling the results appalling and unacceptable.
This was anticipated a year ago here at St. Margaret’s as the school moved to launch a S.T.R.E.A.M. program to get students in the field and return to hands-on learning. The school is also planning a summer program where students can fortify their math and science work to regain what was lost during the pandemic.
