NAEP Scores Confirm Pandemic Learning Loss, Need for Teacher-Led Change in Minnesota

October 24 (Minneapolis) – Today, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) released the first comprehensive look at student learning in districts and states across the country since 2019—an utterly different time in American public schooling. As anticipated based on smaller-scale analyses released since the beginning of the pandemic, the results are dire. 

In Minnesota, math declines were devastating. Fourth-grade math scores dropped nine points, while eighth-grade scores dropped 11 points, making MN  one of only eight states with a more significant decrease than the nation between 2019 and 2022. Reading scores declined in fourth grade, while eighth-grade reading scores held steady with no significant decline. Declines were steepest for Asian and Hispanic students.

“Unfortunately, these results are not surprising and are truly unacceptable. The consensus among our teacher leaders is that now, more than ever, we must center equity in our response to pandemic learning losses,” said Paula Cole, Executive Director of Educators for Excellence-Minnesota. “Our members are well aware of the opportunity gap before the pandemic. This drives their commitment to change by addressing teacher diversity, racial discipline disparities, and teacher licensure requirements that positively impact our students’ academic outcomes.”

Today’s NAEP results demand the attention of education leaders in Minnesota and across the country, informed by the voices of educators. In Minnesota, E4E teacher leaders are already working on legislative initiatives at the local school board and state level to move the needle toward improved student outcomes, including advocacy for equitable funding; implementing research-based, culturally relevant curriculum; and ensuring that all students can read by the end of third grade.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought America’s public schools into crisis. Innovation, with teachers at the forefront, must bring them out.

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About Educators for Excellence
Founded by public school teachers, Educators for Excellence is a growing movement of more than 33,000 educators, united around a common set of values and principles for improving student learning and elevating the teaching profession. We work together to identify issues that impact our schools, create solutions to these challenges, and advocate for policies and programs that give all students access to a quality education. 

For more information, please visit e4e.org.