Key points:
A lack of parent or family prioritization of academics is the primary reason for learning gaps, according to 46 percent of respondents participating in a recent Study.com survey. Eighty-seven percent of educators believe this could be the top area for additional support to address learning losses.
Other top causes for learning gaps include mental health and social-emotional struggles (38 percent) and lack of students completing their homework or studying (35 percent).
The recently released National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores, often referred to as the nation’s report card, show a lack of progress in math and reading achievement with results continuing to lag pre-pandemic (2019) levels. Study.com’s survey provides educator context to the factors affecting student achievement as most teachers (41 percent) report 50-75 percent of their students are academically at grade level while 25 percent say 26-50 percent of students are on par, and 24 percent indicate more than 75 percent of their students are at grade level.
Those higher-performing students that teachers report being at grade level are driving test improvements while students at the lower end are falling further behind. According to the NAEP report, more than two-thirds of the lower-performing group come from historically disadvantaged populations, including 40 percent Hispanic and 25 percent English language learners.
“The growing disparity that systemically impacts historically disadvantaged populations will continue to expand if it isn’t addressed through effective educator, student and family support. With the expected growth in our Hispanic population–especially non-native English speakers–effective education technology can be a bridge to help all learners,” explained Dana Bryson, SVP Social Impact at Study.com. “Further, increasing the number of Hispanic educators to better reflect the student population also can have a positive impact–not just on the academic success of Hispanic students but all students.”
Seventy-one percent of teachers feel confident they can help their students catch up academically. They also shared top support for addressing learning gaps:
- Increased parent/family support for prioritizing schoolwork (87 percent)
- Smaller class sizes (80 percent)
- Mental health support for students (76 percent)
- High quality instructional resources or curriculum (76 percent)
- Expanded after-school or summer learning programs (68 percent)
Additional findings include insights on edtech and student behavior:
Technology in education
- 41 percent of teachers use technology-based tools several times a week to address learning loss while 25 percent use them daily
- 68 percent believe technology is very or somewhat effective in closing learning gaps, with adaptive learning platforms and gamified apps seen as the most effective tools
- 50 percent of teachers report positive learning outcomes for students with consistent access to technology
Behavioral and environmental factors:
- 49 percent of teachers believe reducing behavioral issues would significantly help students catch up academically while 47 percent think it would help somewhat
- 49 percent of teachers report losing up to 3 hours each week to behavioral issues and 28 percent of teachers lose between 4-6 hours weekly
- Disruptive classroom behavior (50 percent), difficulty concentrating (47 percent) and social-emotional challenges such as anxiety and frustration (46 percent) are the top behavioral challenges teachers face with their students
This press release originally appeared online.
