Math and reading scores among middle schoolers are at there lowest since the 1970s, according to a new report from the National Center for Education Statistics, a branch of the Education Department.
The Center for Education Statistics uses results from “The Nation’s Report Card,” a standardized test for middle school students. The results showed that for the average 13-year old in the eighth grade, math scores dropped 9 points and reading scores dropped 4 points. The decline in math scores is the largest observed in the last half-century.
Outside of the basic exam, students were also questioned about their outside learning experiences. About one-third of 13-year-old students said they “never or hardly ever” read for fun. In math, middle schoolers have seen a decline in enrolling in algebra; of students now take algebra as an 8th grader compared to 34% a decade ago.
One of the biggest reasons for the steep decline of scores in the last years is because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As politicians decided to shut down schools across the country and force students to learn online, test results suffered.
But it’s not just the pandemic that is to blame for this trend. If you look at the last decade, technological advances have contributed greatly to education. Many middle schools provide iPads to students, and classrooms are equipped with smart-boards. It is now normal for kids aged 11-13 to have cellphones and be on social media. The decline in education is likely associated with social media and technology offering students simpler ways to see education. Now 13 year olds don’t have to read a book after school because they can just log on to Chat GPT and utilize AI tools or scroll on a few social media posts. Technology can be used as a great educational tool, but it can also create laziness and doesn’t provide positive educational benefits in this way.
The US Department of Education recently issued a statement outlining how it will provide resources and equip students with the necessary materials to succeed academically. The plan features things like more tutoring and after-school programs. But getting an entire generation to be more academically advanced is going to take more than just tutoring and spending more federal dollars. As technology changes the landscape of education, social change must be made as well.
