The ripples of the COVID-19 pandemic are still felt in our education system, shaping students’ academic experiences nationwide. Recent data from public school leaders offers a striking glimpse into the challenges students faced at the start of the 2023-24 school year.
The latest report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), released in Dec. 2023, reveals that, on average, 44% of public school students nationwide kicked off this academic school year below grade level in at least one subject. While, according to the study, this marks a 5% improvement from the previous school year, it highlights the persistent learning gaps stemming from the aftermath of the pandemic.
The findings align with many of the phone calls we get from parents daily. In this blog, we’re offering insight from our team of Educational Specialists. Read the common concerns parents are bringing up and how we’re helping students bridge learning gaps and skill gaps through individualized academic attention.
Bridging Elementary Learning Gaps
Insight from Anne-Stuart Kirkhorn, Program Manager at Educational Connections
What concerns regarding skill gaps are parents of elementary school students calling you about?
I’ve been talking with many parents of elementary students who are struggling in math and reading. Many are below grade level and need coaches to help them catch up while also working on current material and any homework they have. Many of our upper elementary students now realize there are learning gaps, especially in math, due to their early math years being taught virtually in a group setting during COVID. They lack the foundation needed to master more advanced concepts. With regard to reading, many of our students struggle with comprehension. Many can read the words but can’t see the more significant meaning in a story or passage.
We also talk with parents of students with and without ADHD who need extra help with executive functioning skills such as planning, organization, multi-step processes, working memory, and impulse control.
How are we able to help these elementary students?
Our elementary coaches work one-on-one with students by first assessing to see where the gaps are and where the student is with regard to grade-level standards. They can then create customized sessions to address each student’s specific needs. Often, elementary students don’t have much homework, so coaches develop lessons based on what the child is doing in school. If it’s helpful, the coach will also provide work for the student to do between sessions so they continue to practice what they’re working on together. This helps to reinforce the concepts. Elementary students typically meet virtually with their coach twice a week, which helps them build the skills they need.
For elementary students who need help with executive functioning skills, our coaches teach these using a research-based curriculum in conjunction with academics. Younger students develop routines and build habits when they have something tangible to apply the executive functioning skills to.
Bridging Learning Gaps Among Middle and High School Students
Insight from Kathi Gould, M.Ed., Program Manager at Educational Connections
What concerns regarding skill gaps are parents of middle and high school students calling you about?
For this age group, math is one of the biggest concerns. Many kids have gaps in pre-algebra foundations, making 8th-grade algebra problematic. Additionally, students are struggling with non-fiction reading comprehension and basic study skills. MOST of my parents with kids in our Executive Function Coaching program say their child “missed” the study skills part of upper elementary and lower middle school.
How can we help bridge skill gaps for middle and high school students?
In math, our coaches do informal assessments to see where the kids are with regard to grade level benchmarks and then work within the student’s school curriculum to remediate, fill gaps, and support current work. They also use other resources to pre-teach upcoming units to give kids a “heads up” to prevent further slides later.
Non-fiction reading can be remedied with specific strategies that create a schema, access prior knowledge, and identify and comprehend different text structures to increase comprehension. Our tutors and coaches also use active reading strategies like previewing, predicting, making connections, and visualizing.
Through executive function coaching, we teach these students research-based strategies for time management, organization, and effective studying.
Bridging Learning Gaps Among College Students
Insight from Jennifer Gonzalez, Program Manager at Educational Connections
What concerns regarding skill gaps are you noticing among college students?
I’ve seen a notable uptick in college students and parents calling us for help. These are the same kids who entered the COVID years as high school 9th and 10th graders. They had an untraditional start to high school, with gracious grades and virtual learning. We’re now seeing the consequences of that.
Some high-performing students I’ve talked with who never failed at anything in high school are now finding themselves struggling in college. They need help with overall organization and study skills and developing a routine. Without the oversight that comes from living at home, time management and the ability to think and plan ahead are challenging.
And for college sophomores, many did “OK” freshman year, maybe treading water in some basic intro classes. The parents saw some warning signs in hindsight. Then, as they moved to sophomore year and the content became more intense, we’re now seeing more students struggling in college-level math, science, and organization – one begets the other. Many college sophomores still don’t know how to study. And with the rigor of these highly cumulative courses, which only meet twice a week, it can be challenging for some students to adapt without support.
How are we able to help bridge skill gaps for college students?
It’s important that we focus on practical applications of organizational skills and nurture strong study skills within the confines of real-time coursework. To support this, we match each college student with an EF Coach who will work within the current course assignments and responsibilities, regularly starting assignments with the student that have been assigned by his professors and “chunking out” long-term projects and papers.
It’s essential to identify and implement tools to support working memory and establish strong, realistic study habits and ways to execute assignments that support sustainable routines so they eventually feel like new “normals.”
Our coaches help college students find ways to use their time between classes more effectively, through what we call “weird windows.” We also teach our students how to self-advocate by going to office hours with professors and seeking support from on-campus resource centers.
And perhaps the most valuable skill our coaches teach, is how students should hold themselves accountable for all of their college responsibilities without daily oversight from their parents.
How to take action to close your student’s learning gaps
We understand the challenges students face in bridging learning gaps and skill gaps, and we’re here to help. Our personalized Subject Tutoring and Executive Function coaching sessions are tailored to meet your student’s unique needs, providing targeted support to enhance their academic performance and foster a love for learning. Whether it’s catching up in a specific subject or honing essential EF skills for overall success, our dedicated team is here to support your student.
Don’t let learning gaps hinder your child’s progress. Take the first step by scheduling a call with us to discuss your child’s individualized needs: