Young kids missed pandemic's school disruptions, still behind on reading

First and second graders continue to perform worse than pre-pandemic peers on reading tests, data shows

Mar. 10, 2026 at 11:18pm

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According to a report by NWEA, first and second graders continue to perform worse than their pre-pandemic counterparts on reading tests, even though many had yet to start school when the pandemic began. While math scores have slowly improved, reading scores have remained stagnant since 2021. Researchers say the academic slump is not solely due to instructional disruption, but also broader societal shifts that may be impacting literacy development.

Why it matters

The pandemic's effects on older students' academic achievement are well-documented, but the NWEA report offers insights into the depth of the disruption for the youngest learners. Understanding how the pandemic has impacted early literacy is crucial, as strong reading skills in the early grades are foundational for future academic success.

The details

The report found that while kindergarten math and science scores remained roughly the same throughout the pandemic, first and second graders are still trending behind pre-pandemic levels in both math and reading. Researchers point to emerging data showing fewer parents are reading to their young children, an activity known to boost literacy. School districts like Minnetonka Public Schools say they are focusing more on phonics instruction and regular literacy assessments to help students catch up, but factors outside of school, like fewer opportunities for language and literacy development during the pandemic, continue to hamper progress.

  • The NWEA report is based on assessments given to students in the 2024-25 school year.
  • In 2024, reading scores for fourth- and eighth-graders continued a downward slide, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

The players

NWEA

An education assessment and research group that published the report on the academic performance of first and second graders.

Megan Kuhfeld

A researcher at NWEA who stated that the academic slump is not rooted only in instructional disruption, but also broader societal shifts.

Minnetonka Public Schools

A school district outside Minneapolis that says reading scores dipped during the pandemic but have since recovered, thanks to a focus on phonics instruction and regular literacy assessments.

Amy LaDue

The associate superintendent of Minnetonka Public Schools, who believes young children missing out on activities like going to museums and playing with peers during the pandemic has hampered their literacy development, especially for those from low-income families.

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What they’re saying

“We can't pinpoint one specific cause.”

— Megan Kuhfeld, Researcher, NWEA

“These kids weren't in school when the pandemic happened, but (some) were … in early childhood and preschool. Their opportunities … to have those experiences outside of their home that build literacy skills and to apply them with peers probably were impacted because they were home.”

— Amy LaDue, Associate Superintendent, Minnetonka Public Schools

What’s next

Researchers and educators will continue to monitor the academic progress of the youngest students, and school districts like Minnetonka will likely maintain their focus on targeted literacy interventions. Policymakers may also consider expanding access to pre-kindergarten programs to help address the pandemic's impact on early childhood development and literacy.

The takeaway

The pandemic's disruption of early education has had lasting effects on the reading skills of the youngest students, underscoring the importance of targeted support and interventions to ensure all children have a strong foundation in literacy as they progress through school.