After years of declines, young students show gains in reading and math

June 10, 2026 - 12:24

While the pandemic-era school closures were feared to have set back an entire generation, the latest national data offers a surprising bright spot: America's 9-year-olds are showing clear progress in both reading and math. According to a new federal report, these young students have not only recovered from learning losses but have actually posted gains, bucking the trend of steady decline seen in recent years.

The same cannot be said for their older peers. The picture is far more troubling for 13-year-olds, who continue to struggle. Their scores have not rebounded, and in some cases have slipped further, raising concerns about the long-term effects of disrupted learning during a critical developmental stage. The divide between the two age groups is stark.

Experts suggest that younger children may have benefited from more intensive early intervention programs and smaller class sizes in the primary grades. In contrast, older students faced a more complex set of challenges, including prolonged remote learning, social isolation, and a harder time catching up on foundational skills. While the gains for 9-year-olds offer a reason for cautious optimism, the persistent struggles of 13-year-olds serve as a clear warning that the recovery is far from complete.