Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Executive Summary:
- Recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NEAP) data indicates pandemic’s impact on student learning.
- Investments showing positive results; several states returning to pre-pandemic levels on math, literacy assessments.
- Schools have used 60% of American Rescue Plan funds to address lost learning time, accelerate recovery.
- Department of Education continues to offer technical assistance, guidance, and meetings to improve academic performance, address disparities.
Unedited Press Release Text:
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona issued the following statement on the recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) long-term trend assessment in math and reading for 13-year-olds:
“The latest data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress is further evidence of what the Biden-Harris administration recognized from Day One: that the pandemic would have a devastating impact on students’ learning across the country and that it would take years of effort and investment to reverse the damage as well as address the 11-year decline that preceded it.
“Today’s results underscore why the Biden-Harris administration remains laser-focused on our plan to Raise the Bar for the academic achievement of all students and maximize the American Rescue Plan’s historic investments in recovery. Schools have committed nearly 60 percent of their American Rescue Plan funds to address lost learning time and accelerate academic recovery by hiring more teachers, counselors, and support staff, providing more tutoring and one-on-one support to students, and extending learning time through high quality afterschool and summer learning programs.
“While this latest data reminds us how far we still need to go, I’m encouraged that the historic investments and resources provided by the American Rescue Plan and the Department of Education are beginning to show positive results, with several states returning to pre-pandemic levels of achievement on their state math and literacy assessments, as well as promising results for the U.S. on a recent international reading assessment.
“At the Department of Education, we continue to offer technical assistance, issue guidance, and hold convenings focused on the specific strategies included in our Raise the Bar: Lead the World Plan for improving academic performance and tackling disparities in educational opportunities and outcomes. More action is needed at every level to reverse decades of educational neglect and to Raise the Bar for all students.”
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