New Data Reveals Struggles in Math Among US Students
A recent investigation has uncovered a concerning decline in math and reading proficiency among American students. Experts suggest that this “learning recession” started back in 2013, long before the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation. Sean Reardon from Stanford University and Nat Markus from the American Enterprise Institute have pointed to various factors, including heavy social media usage and high absenteeism, as contributing to this educational decline. On a brighter note, Alabama seems to be making strides in fourth-grade math.
In another development, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that it will conduct a comprehensive review of the E-Rate program, which provides necessary Internet subsidies for schools. This review is being prompted by worries that increased screen time in educational settings might be linked to poor student performance.
The E-Rate program allocates approximately $3 billion annually to eligible schools and libraries for discounts on Internet services. FCC Chairman Brendan Kerr emphasized that the review is crucial, especially given the rise in screen time in schools since the outbreak. He noted that emerging studies have started to show a connection between excessive screen exposure and lower academic performance in vital areas like reading and math.
Kerr voiced a concern that many parents lack insight into how their children use technology while at school. “Parents tend to supervise their kids’ tech use at home,” he remarked, “but that level of oversight diminishes in a school environment.” He hopes to empower parents by providing them a clearer picture of their children’s engagement with screens during school hours.
The goal of the FCC’s review is to ensure that the E-Rate program supports beneficial educational outcomes instead of becoming a source of distraction that leads to underperformance. Kerr mentioned that the agency is open to various reforms as a part of this thorough evaluation, which also aligns with efforts in Congress and local school districts to address screen time issues.
This review is expected to maintain oversight on how federally subsidized Internet services can better align with what experts say is key for optimal educational results. The FCC’s review is slated to start on June 25, when the agency will also consider public input on potential changes to the program.
The backdrop to this is a national concern over academic performance, highlighted by recent results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress—often referred to as the nation’s report card—which show that 12th-grade math and reading scores are plummeting.
