Challenges in K-12 Public Education in the U.S. Persist Post-Pandemic
As we enter 2025, the effects of pandemic-related disruptions continue to impact K-12 public schools in the United States.
While some challenges, such as school closures, are directly linked to the pandemic, others existed prior to the crisis but have been exacerbated by it. According to Stanford economist Eric Hanushek, if learning loss is not reversed, the lifetime earnings of an average student will decrease by 6%, which disproportionately affects disadvantaged students. In 2022, national test scores revealed a decline in reading and mathematics for 9-year-old students, with lower-performing students experiencing more significant losses. The pandemic also worsened student mental health and led to increased disengagement from school. Chronic absenteeism among students surged to an all-time high, and many students dropped out entirely. While some positive changes have occurred, such as the $190 billion federal relief funding aiding recovery efforts, the recovery process remains uneven, and budgetary constraints persist. These challenges, combined with the declining enrollment in public schools, further strain school districts. However, while it’s not the best of times, there are signs of improvement, and addressing these persistent issues with evidence-based solutions will be key moving forward.
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