Are you ready to stay informed about the most essential Texas news? Sign up for The Brief, The Texas Tribune’s daily newsletter.
The challenges faced by students who started school during or after the COVID-19 pandemic are becoming more apparent. Plains Independent School District Superintendent, Robert McClain, noted that these students have a harder time saying goodbye to their parents when they drop them off at school.
Reading specialist Heather Harris shared that third graders are lagging behind in reading, prompting the district to hire a specialist to offer support. Likewise, San Antonio ISD Superintendent Jaime Aquino mentioned that students are also struggling in math.
Texas school officials and experts have observed concerning signs that students who began schooling during the pandemic are falling behind academically compared to their peers. A recent study by Curriculum Associates Research highlighted the substantial gap in reading and math skills among younger students enrolled during the pandemic.
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d9003f98f3b03057853928f76db1d7c3/0807%20Early%20Education%20TT%2003.jpg)
The drop in pre-K enrollment numbers in Texas is another concerning factor contributing to lower academic achievement. Experts emphasize the importance of early intervention to address the learning gaps and support students in foundational skill development.
Curriculum Associates Research study and education analyst Mary Lynn Pruneda underscore the urgency of collecting data on early-grade literacy to identify and assist struggling students proactively.
To address the academic challenges faced by young learners, increased spending in public education, better teacher retention, and targeted interventions like high-impact tutoring are essential.
Don’t miss out on the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival happening in downtown Austin on Sept. 5–7. Explore a program featuring diverse conversations on various topics including education, the economy, politics, and more. Check out the full program now!
