The pandemic disrupted young children's early schooling. Their reading scores are still behind

PBS NewsHour
by Moriah Balingit, Associated Press
March 10, 2026
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2 min read

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The Bottom Line

Young children's reading scores remain behind due to pandemic-related disruptions to early schooling.

How This Affects You

If you have young children, their educational development may be affected by persistent learning gaps in reading.

AI Summary

Young children's reading scores continue to lag following disruptions to early schooling caused by the pandemic, according to recent data. The academic performance decline is attributed not solely to instructional interruptions, but also to broader societal shifts occurring since 2020. This persistent deficit indicates a systemic challenge in educational recovery efforts. The ongoing impact on foundational literacy skills could have long-term implications for educational attainment and future societal development.

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