Can your child read? That seems like a question worth asking. Although your child may attend school, that does not mean he is literate. National testing has shown that COVID-19 school closures did more harm in the long run. National test scores are in, and national reading scores continue to drop.
Fourth Graders
Among the few bright spots was an improvement in fourth-grade math. Remember that fourth graders were in kindergarten when the schools started closing. They were learning numbers, sounds, and how school works. Then came closures and masks.
The average math score crept up 2 points on a scale of 500. However, this is still 3 points lower than the 2019 pre-pandemic average. Some states and districts did make significant strides. Reading continues to drop. If students have not mastered simple phonics from first grade, how can they be expected to read special sounds and blends? How can they comprehend a story?
Eighth Graders
Eighth graders are having more trouble bouncing back from the pandemic. They are at 60% of pre-pandemic levels. These students learned they do not need to do the work to get by. Their reading comprehension is low. They are missing basic fundamental skills. They learn only what is necessary for the moment, not enjoying the process. They do not necessarily want to reach heights.
Reasons
Nationwide, public schools closed during the pandemic. They demanded mask-wearing and distance seating.
Homework
This was not a short closure for a Christmas holiday. The school was closed for months. While some school districts attended Zoom classes, most teachers and homes were not set up for that. Over the summer, more internet became available, but it was not enough for All the schoolchildren. Teachers sent work home weekly for the students to complete. These pages were done in a day if the parent encouraged the student. If the parent was not involved, the work did not get done.
No Books
These children have their foundation of ‘Books have deadly germs.’ Someone touched a book. Who knows what virus is on it? Thus, students do not care for reading. This appears sad for any other generation.
Absenteeism
Absenteeism is a factor in learning. Even if your student is not sick, he missed school because someone else was sick.
Masks
A lot of our learning comes through speaking. But learning is complex when you have to talk clearly through a mask. If you cannot pronounce a word, will anyone know because you talk through a mask? If you do not speak well, that will affect your reading and spelling.
For the most part, American schools have not yet begun to make progress in catching up on the loss of learning from the pandemic. While some schools hire additional tutors and offer online learning courses, each child must sit down and read aloud with an adult. They need to make advancements at their level. Skipping courses or learning experiences will not put the student ahead.
