Covid lockdowns severely impacted students’ math skills, new findings reveal
Shorter School Closures Linked to Better Math Scores During Covid Pandemic
Revelation Shows Impact of School Closure Duration on Student Performance
In a revelation that will shock nobody with common sense, a recently conducted assessment shows how countries that mandated shorter school closures during the Covid pandemic recorded better math scores than those enforcing longer ones.
Published by the National Center for Education Statistics, the Education Department’s “primary statistical agency,” the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) revealed that American students experienced a 13-point drop in their 2022 math scores “when compared to the 2018 [PISA] exam.” According to Axios, the average 2022 score “was not only lower than it was in 2012 but it was ‘among the lowest ever measured by PISA in mathematics’ for the U.S, per the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.”
U.S. students performed above the OECD average in science and reading, however.
What’s notable about the 2022 PISA’s findings is the correlation between students’ math proficiency and how long their nation’s government locked them out of school in the name of Covid. As admitted by Axios, the report shows that a common theme shared by the 31 nations that “maintained or improved upon their 2018 math scores” was that they all implemented “shorter school closures during the pandemic and [had] fewer impediments to remote learning.”
In the years since the Covid lockdowns, studies emerged documenting the disastrous consequences wrought by state-enforced school closures. A 2023 analysis found that “elementary and middle schoolers in the U.S. need months of extra schooling to close pandemic-induced gaps.”
Meanwhile, data included in the National Assessment of Educational Progress shows that “math and reading levels across the country have dropped to their lowest point in decades.” The report further disclosed that “remote learning” was not “effective.” Even globalist organizations such as the United Nations begrudgingly documented the harmful effects such policies have had on student learning.
It’s worth mentioning that children are the least at-risk age demographic with respect to Covid-19.
Despite feigning concern about U.S. students’ declining math proficiency, the Biden administration staunchly supported keeping children out of school in the months following Biden’s inauguration. As noted by The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board in August, the CDC under Biden “took dictation from [teacher’s] union chief Randi Weingarten for its reopening guidelines,” which permitted “unions in urban school districts like Chicago cover to delay the return to full in-person learning.”
Biden also neglected to use federal funds as leverage to push states and localities to reopen schools sooner.
Shawn Fleetwood is a staff writer for The Federalist and a graduate of the University of Mary Washington. He previously served as a state content writer for Convention of States Action and his work has been featured in numerous outlets, including RealClearPolitics, RealClearHealth, and Conservative Review. Follow him on Twitter @ShawnFleetwood
How can governments prioritize public health and safety while minimizing the negative impact of school closures on student learning?
021/03/04/children-left-behind-amid-school-lockdowns/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>most vulnerable group impacted by the prolonged closure of schools. Not only do they miss out on important educational instruction, but they also lose vital social interactions and support systems that schools provide. The consequences of these losses cannot be underestimated and will have long-term effects on their educational and social development.
The findings from the 2022 PISA serve as a reminder of the importance of keeping schools open and minimizing disruptions to education, especially during times of crisis. While it is understandable that governments may have felt the need to prioritize public health and safety, it is crucial to recognize the negative impact that prolonged school closures can have on student learning.
As we navigate the ongoing challenges of the Covid pandemic, it is essential to prioritize the well-being and educational needs of our students. This means implementing measures that ensure safe and effective learning environments, such as improved ventilation and hygiene protocols, regular testing, and targeted support for students who have fallen behind. It also means finding innovative ways to adapt and deliver education, such as blended learning models or remote learning options that are effective and accessible for all students.
Education is a fundamental right, and every effort should be made to protect and preserve it, even in the face of unprecedented challenges. By recognizing the correlation between shorter school closures and better academic performance, policymakers and education systems can make informed decisions that prioritize the long-term success of our students.
As the world continues to grapple with the effects of the Covid pandemic, let us remember the valuable lesson learned from the 2022 PISA report: shorter school closures lead to better math scores. By applying this knowledge in future crisis situations, we can ensure that our students’ education remains a priority and that they have the support they need to thrive.
