The Learning Gap That Won’t Go Away

Even though schools are back to normal, many young students are still struggling to catch up in reading and math.

The pandemic disrupted early education, and those effects haven’t disappeared.

Teachers and parents are noticing that elementary students are behind where they should be, and the gap is proving harder to close than expected.

Recent national test scores confirm what many educators feared: young students are still not where they should be academically. According to The Nation’s Report Card, reading scores have declined by two points for both fourth and eighth graders since 2022, continuing a steady drop that began even before the pandemic (EdWeek).

In math, students are nearly half a grade level behind where they were before COVID-related school closures (NPR).

Why is this happening, and what can be done about it?

Let’s take a closer look.

The Impact on Early Readers

Learning to read is a critical milestone in the early years.

Unfortunately, many young students missed essential phonics instruction, struggled with virtual learning, or had fewer opportunities to build vocabulary and comprehension.

Even now, teachers are reporting that:

  • First and second graders have weaker letter recognition and decoding skills.
  • Many students are reading below grade level, making it harder to understand other subjects.
  • Struggles with reading fluency make it difficult for kids to develop confidence.

According to a 2024 Hechinger Report analysis, struggling readers in the bottom 10% of students lost 70% more ground between 2022 and 2024 compared to higher-performing peers (Hechinger Report).

Students who don’t build strong reading skills early often continue to struggle in later grades, making this a long-term concern.

Math Skills Took a Hit Too

Math is another area where young students are still behind.

Elementary math relies on hands-on learning, step-by-step explanations, and consistent practice—something that was difficult during disrupted learning periods.

Because of this, teachers are seeing:

  • Weak number sense, making basic addition and subtraction more difficult.
  • Difficulty with word problems due to reading struggles.
  • Slower progress in multiplication and division, leading to gaps in later grades.

The 2024 NAEP results show that students are still struggling to regain the math skills they lost during the pandemic, with only small improvements since 2022 (NBC Philadelphia).

Math builds on itself, so missing key concepts early on can create major challenges as students move through school.

Why Are Students Still Behind?

Even though schools are back to in-person learning, catching up hasn’t been as simple as expected.

Some reasons include:

  • Lack of one-on-one support: Many students need extra help, but classrooms are full, and teachers are stretched thin.
  • Gaps in foundational skills: Without strong basics, students struggle to keep up with new material.
  • Confidence issues: Falling behind can make students frustrated or anxious about learning.
  • Different learning paces: Some students bounced back quickly, while others are still struggling, making it hard to teach at the same level for everyone.

Additionally, students are reading for enjoyment less often, which researchers link to lower reading scores (WESA.fm).

How Online Tutoring Can Help

One of the most effective ways to help struggling students is online tutoring.

Here’s why it works:

  • Personalized learning: Online tutors can focus on a child’s specific needs, filling in gaps without the pressure of a large classroom.
  • Flexible scheduling: Sessions can fit into a family's routine, making it easier to provide consistent help.
  • Interactive tools: Many online platforms use games, visuals, and hands-on activities to make learning engaging.
  • Confidence building: One-on-one attention helps students feel more comfortable asking questions and taking their time to understand concepts.

For students still struggling with reading and math, an online tutor can provide the extra support needed to get them back on track.

Final Thoughts

The reading and math struggles of young students aren’t just a short-term problem—they’re a lasting challenge that needs attention.

With the right support, kids can catch up and regain their confidence in learning.

Whether it’s through extra practice at home, targeted school support, or working with an online tutor, the key is consistent, personalized help.

Are you seeing these struggles in your own child or students? What strategies have worked for you?