SUBSCRIBE FOR ONLY $16.99!

Reading in America: Five Years Since COVID

Advertisement

By Dr. Megan Kuhfeld and Dr. Karyn Lewis

When COVID-19 shuttered schools, middle schoolers in the U.S. were just building foundational literacy skills. The sudden shift to remote learning in 2020 during these students’ early elementary years disrupted instruction in a critical window for developing reading fluency and comprehension. While we continue to understand and measure this disruption, more and more evidence is confirming that students, even five years later, are still a long way off from rebounding academically.

Data Speaks

Looking at data from various sources, math shows signs of modest recovery, but at this slow rate of progress, full recovery could still be at least seven years for students. In contrast, reading presents a more concerning picture. Across nearly every data source, reading performance has continued to decline from 2022 to 2024. This reveals troubling trends that signal persistent challenges in literacy recovery. And one age group is particularly concerning—middle schoolers. 

According to data from The Nation’s Report Card, less than one third of 8th graders are at or above proficiency levels in reading. Additionally, a 2024 report from NWEA further underscored the issue; middle school students are facing the greatest challenges with regaining ground in reading.

The average student needs the equivalent of about eight additional months of instruction to catch up. This kind of progress is especially difficult to achieve in middle school where time is short and the instructional focus often shifts away from foundational literacy, making the road to recovery steep and complex. However, an intentional and sustained approach can meet this challenge. 

1. Prioritize targeted academic supports in reading

Ensure that high-dosage tutoring, summer programs, and other intensive interventions become permanent elements of your academic offerings. These strategies provide students with the additional instructional time needed to close gaps—but only if students are present to benefit from them. As such, academic supports should be paired with strategies to reduce chronic absenteeism, which continues to affect millions of students.

2. Focus on students who were already teetering on the edge

The pandemic was not an equal opportunity hitter. Achievement disparities that predate COVID-19 have been starkly exacerbated over the last five years. Moreover, marginalized students remain the furthest from recovery. Leveraging your data can ensure you’re targeting support to students who are struggling the most to recover.

3. Equip all teachers to support reading development

Middle school teachers may not have been trained to diagnose or remediate reading difficulties—yet that is exactly what many students need now. Provide professional learning and tools to help all teachers recognize reading challenges and deliver targeted support. 


While much focus has been on the negative effects of the disruptions, one clear lesson has emerged—the vital and enduring role of teachers. Long before the pandemic, teachers were a steady and necessary presence in students’ lives. But during a time of unprecedented uncertainty, that role became even more essential.

Teachers provide consistency, build relationships, and adapt to meet individual needs, both academically and emotionally. Now more than ever, we must ensure that they have the necessary resources and support to engage with students effectively and drive academic growth and opportunities, especially in reading. The expertise, compassion, and flexibility of teachers will continue to be key in shaping the future of education.

Dr. Megan Kuhfeld is the director of growth modeling and analytics for NWEA, which supports students and educators through research, assessment solutions, policy and advocacy, and professional learning.

Dr. Karyn Lewis is Vice President of Research and Policy Partnerships for NWEA.

Education News

Leaves and Literacy: 8 Strategies to Get K–2 Students Back into Reading This Fall

Fall is a season of fresh starts. The habits established in these first months ripple forward into lasting reading success.

CoSN Unveils 2025 State Cybersecurity Legislation Report

The annual report provides actionable recommendations to help districts shift from reactive to resilient amid escalating cyber threats.

A Fresh Perspective: New Motivational Guidebook Helps Teachers Empower Students

Teachers inspire their students every day, but where do teachers find their own inspiration? Enter: “Teacher Believed in Me,” a practical guide to making a profound difference in students’ lives.

Celebrating 15 Years of Promoting Adult Education

Long-running Finish Your Diploma campaign encourages the 30 million adults in the U..S without a high school diploma to take the first step to a brighter future.

Join Our Newsletter

Join now for a chance to win 1 of 2 $25 Indigo e-gift cards this month!

Advertisement

Read More

Explorations in Biology Through Origami, 3D Modeling, and Optical Illusions

Blending art and biology through hands-on paper-folding activities is a fun and unique way to engage students at the elementary level.

4 Places Teachers Can Buy Custom Assistive Technology Devices for Schools

Custom assistive devices empower students with disabilities by fostering independence, building skills, and supporting full inclusion in the classroom.

Leaves and Literacy: 8 Strategies to Get K–2 Students Back into Reading This Fall

Fall is a season of fresh starts. The habits established in these first months ripple forward into lasting reading success.

CoSN Unveils 2025 State Cybersecurity Legislation Report

The annual report provides actionable recommendations to help districts shift from reactive to resilient amid escalating cyber threats.

A Fresh Perspective: New Motivational Guidebook Helps Teachers Empower Students

Teachers inspire their students every day, but where do teachers find their own inspiration? Enter: “Teacher Believed in Me,” a practical guide to making a profound difference in students’ lives.

5 Things Educators Need to Know to Combat Burnout This Year

These essential mindset shifts will help you avoid common pitfalls that lead to burnout and, instead, allow you to thrive as a highly effective educator.
jack party casino | la manera mas rapida de ganar dinero | new casino online nj | stakes casino | maquinas tragaperras | sportium casino méxico | casino fronton mexico | catalonia bavaro beach golf & casino resort | playcity casino durango | caliente mx logo | jerarquia de juegos en poker | ganar dinero con sugar daddy | big bola casino online | bonos de casino con premios | tragamonedas halloween online gratis | basculas tragamonedas | jugando online | como ganar dinero sabiendo matematicas | caliente com mx deportes | ruleta cundina | maquinas tragamonedas | casino mundo e | apuestas casino futbol | betway login | caliente en vivo | hotel casino monterrey | bar monte casino | blackjack online ingyen | descargar app para ganar dinero en paypal | para casino online | luxor hotel & casino | codigo promocional casino online | jackpot city online casino | ganar dinero con google traductor | como apostar en la ruleta para ganar | ganar dinero con poker online | como ganar dinero desde telegram | sunset station hotel & casino | fortune casino la paz |