Researchers are trying to figure out the connection between the Texas A-F school rankings, the pandemic, and how it effected student readiness, which has slipped.
"Here we are five years later after the lockdowns, I think a lot of kids lost ground, definitely in math and science especially" said Texas based education expert, Jean Burk, "So, there's definitely some long lasting effects."
With one of the biggest being 'student readiness', for college, careers, and the military.
"We're still talking that everybody is behind, which doesn't help us in our national rankings amongst other countries, where we don't necessarily rank high in math and science anyway" Burk told KTRH.
While some on the left have tried to use racial and income data to place blame, the really problem was the lockdowns, and then the aftermath.
"They lost that rhythm of everyday life" noted Burk who is the head of College Prep Genius, "Hopefully the catch-up is something that they can even do. If schools would just focus on the core 5's, and drop some of the other classes, then we can not only catch-up but even get ahead."
She added that schools need to do a better job with testing, but at the end of the day it's all about teaching the right curriculum and work ethic. The addition of school choice in Texas will also be a big plus.
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