States resort to desperate measures to make up for pandemic learning loss

State leaders are implementing new ways to boost their students’ academic scores after recent reports found that national averages plummeted in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Nation’s Report Card revealed that eighth-grade national math and reading scores dropped eight and three points, respectively, while average fourth-grade scores fell five and three points. Now, states are trying to regain traction by implementing tutoring systems and providing additional support to help students catch up.

Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico and the state’s Public Education Department (PED) announced mid-December that 20 hours of online tutoring sessions would become available to families with students between pre-K and eighth grade at no charge, according to the governor’s press release. The sessions are offered through Paper Education Inc., a virtual tutoring company, and will help with mathematics, language arts and science.

“Since day one, my administration has been committed to investing in every available tool to deliver every educational opportunity to New Mexico students,” Grisham said in the press release. “This investment in high-quality tutoring will further support students and families across the state as we continue to build the strongest possible educational foundation for New Mexico children.” – READ MORE