COVID-19 Effects on Students' Achievement in Reading and Math in the United States

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 7
  In Poster Session: Academic Performance: Student-Centered Factors (San Diego)

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of COVID-19 on students’ achievement in reading and math in kindergarten to fifth grade across the US before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years. Istation’s Indicators of Progress (ISIP™) Reading and ISIP Math assessments were used. Results from a piecewise growth model show that students performed on track before the COVID-19 year. Summer loss in reading and math was exacerbated due to schools switching to online learning in spring 2020, and academic performance was significantly lower in the 2020-2021 school year. The COVID-19 pandemic had negative effects on students’ achievement in both reading and math, especially in the upper elementary grades.

Authors

• Chalie Patarapichayatham, Southern Methodist University

• Victoria Locke, Istation

• Sean Lewis, Istation