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There’s been no single best method for post-pandemic academic recovery, but there are tactics superintendents can use to help students rebound from learning loss.

As of 2024, roughly one in three public schools recovered to pre-pandemic levels in either math or reading, while only one in seven recovered in both, according to a new NWEA .

The severity of learning declines varies by subject. In math, even schools that recovered witnessed significant learning loss during the pandemic, but saw large gains afterward.

Reading saw steeper losses. “Recovered schools” (those that have returned to pre-pandemic achievement levels) had minimal initial declines followed by moderate gains. Schools that couldn’t recover experienced moderate and continued losses post-pandemic.

Meanwhile, schools serving higher-poverty and historically marginalized students were less likely to fully recover by 2024, but saw the largest academic gains.

“These patterns indicate that recent progress has been concentrated in the schools that experienced the deepest pandemic-era declines,” the research reads.

Personalized support for students is an important way to help all learners catch up, researchers say.

Leaders should also share their recovery initiatives to help other districts rebound. For more recommendations on working with state and local leaders, read the full report .

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