Researchers are warning that the U.S. is experiencing a reading recession, a slide that predates the COVID-19 pandemic. A new analysis of state test scores from third to eighth grade for over 5,000 school districts in 38 states found that only five states, plus the District of Columbia, had meaningful growth in reading test scores from 2022 to 2025. The analysis by scholars at Harvard, Stanford and Dartmouth also found students remain nearly half a grade level behind pre-pandemic levels in reading and only slightly better in math. Still, some states and school districts are making progress — largely by shifting toward phonics-based instruction and providing extra support for struggling readers.
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Sixth graders read a passage and give constructive feedback to their partners during Nancy Barajas' class at Fairview Elementary School on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Modesto, Calif. (AP Photo/Annie Barker)
Sixth graders read a passage and give constructive feedback to their partners during Nancy Barajas' class at Fairview Elementary School on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Modesto, Calif. (AP Photo/Annie Barker)
Kindergarten students work on a project at Munger Elementary-Middle School Thursday, May 7, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Teacher, Aja Penick, works with first graders at Munger Elementary-Middle School Thursday, May 7, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Birmingham City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Mark A. Sullivan, takes a call as he enters the library at Oxmoor Valley Elementary School in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com via AP)
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An arbitrator ruled in favor of the College Sports Commission on Monday in a case brought on behalf of Nebraska football players that is viewe…
FILE- Students play ball during recess at the St. Agnes Elementary School in Phoenix, Ariz., on March 3, 2020. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-MIlls, File)
FILE - Whittier Elementary School students enjoy recess, Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022 in Mesa, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York,File)
Recess isn’t just a fun break for grade schoolers. It’s crucial to good health and good grades for kids of all ages.