More than half of schools have implemented strategies to address mental health, meet students’ needs, and offer high-dosage tutoring.
Specifically, 72% of public schools implemented strategies for mental health, 79% used diagnostic assessment data to identify individual needs, and 56% used high-dosage tutoring methods.
That’s according to the latest data from the 2022 School Pulse Panel released by the Institute of Education Sciences.
The U.S. Department of Education released a statement today celebrating the work being done in K-12 schools to address academic recovery. “This data shows that through the efforts of this administration, and with the strong partnership of school leaders, teachers, school staff, families, parents, and students across the country, students have made significant progress just over the course of the 2021-2022 school year,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
Although substantial efforts are being made to support students across K-12 schools, it’s also important to address the number of students who are still a grade level behind. Before the pandemic, 35% of public schools reported that 0 to 25% of their students were below grade level. By the end of the 2021-22 school year, 33% of public schools reported that 0 to 25% of their students finished below grade level.
In addition, of those schools that reported having students behind grade level, 52% say the pandemic had a significant influence on students’ academic achievement.
Other noteworthy statistics
- 21% of all public schools say extending the school year is very effective; 50% say it’s moderately effective.
- 5% of all public schools say extending the school day is extremely effective; 20% say it’s very effective; 43% say it’s moderately effective.
- 75% of all public schools offer summer learning and enrichment programs; 33% have increased their summer learning programs.
- 8% of all public schools say high-dosage tutoring is extremely effective; 35% say it’s very effective; 45% say it’s moderately effective.
The Biden administration has provided $130 billion in American Rescue Plan funds to support schools as they reopen after the pandemic.
In addition to these funds, the administration has launched several partnerships and initiatives:
- National Partnership for Student Success
- Engage Every Student Initiative
- National Parents and Families Engagement Council
- Addressing Youth Mental Health
More from DA: Online schooling helps students feel confident about their futures