Pandemic is an unpleasant word that no one wants to hear or use anymore. It was a time when the world shut down and most people would like to forget. It changed the way businesses operated and economically changed many lives, the effects of which are still being felt years later. Companies across the country are laying off employees and closing locations, many due to the effects of the 2020 pandemic. While there have been some positive changes brought about by the pandemic, most agree that the negative impacts have far outweighed the positive ones. What has been affected by the world's closure is how children have been educated during that time. Now that time has passed and things are back to normal, are the children suffering from what happened years ago or are there no side effects?
Impact of the pandemic on education
A recent study by 95percentgroup.com showed that reading proficiency among 4th and 8th grade students decreased from 2019 compared to 2022. For the study, she surveyed more than 800 parents about their children's education and found that one in three expressed concerns due to the pandemic. It continues to negatively impact children socially and academically. Parents proposed three solutions to their children's problems, including after-school tutoring, increasing the number of school days, and year-round schooling.
Students suffering from the pandemic
The top three subjects that students struggle with are Mathematics (1st), Reading (2nd), and English (3rd). Idaho has had one of the biggest declines in reading scores since the state shutdown several years ago. This raises the question of how to help children learn to read and write so they don't fall behind. Learning disabilities such as dyslexia and ADHD may contribute to this. The time spent away from class without hands-on instruction in the classroom is having a gradual effect, and the effects are beginning to show.
Is the pandemic the sole reason for this low score? The answer is no, but it could be a contributing factor. Many of these children fell behind during the shutdown and have been trying to catch up ever since. Not all parents can help with their child's education, but if you can, make time to help your child work on reading, math, or other weak subjects. A little work at home can go a long way. Click the link above to learn more about the study.
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