US Students and School Learning

May 13, 2026, 17:25
USAnalysis

Introduction

A new study shows that US students learned less before the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, some schools are helping students improve.

Main Body

Students started to do worse in school around 2013. Reading scores for 8th grade are very low. Experts say social media and fewer tests caused this problem. The pandemic made the problem worse. Some schools are getting better. Poor schools got money from the government to help. Math scores are going up fast, but reading is slower. Some states use a new way to teach reading with sounds. This helps students learn better. Some cities have good plans. Modesto, California, gives extra help to students. Detroit uses more teachers for small groups. Alabama and Louisiana have very good math and reading scores now.

Conclusion

Many students still struggle with reading. But new teaching ways and money are helping some states recover.

Learning

πŸ“‰ The 'Change' Words

In this text, we see words that show if things are going up or down. This is very useful for A2 level talking about life and school.

Down / Bad

  • worse β†’\rightarrow Not as good as before.
  • low β†’\rightarrow A small number or position.
  • struggle β†’\rightarrow To find something very difficult.

Up / Good

  • improve β†’\rightarrow To make something better.
  • better β†’\rightarrow More good than before.
  • recover β†’\rightarrow To get back to a good state.

πŸ’‘ Quick Tip: 'Better' vs 'Worse'

Use these to compare two things:

  • Reading is slower than math. (Lower speed)
  • Schools are getting better. (Higher quality)

Vocabulary Learning

students (n.)
A person who is studying at a school or college.
Example:Students in the classroom listened carefully to the teacher.
school (n.)
A building where children or adults learn.
Example:The school is closed for the holidays.
pandemic (n.)
A widespread disease that affects many people.
Example:The pandemic caused many schools to close.
government (n.)
The group of people who run a country.
Example:The government gave money to poor schools.
reading (n.)
The activity of looking at written words.
Example:Reading helps you learn new information.
scores (n.)
Results of a test or exam.
Example:The test scores were very low.
math (n.)
The subject of numbers and calculations.
Example:Math scores are going up fast.
teachers (n.)
People who teach students.
Example:Teachers plan lessons for the class.
groups (n.)
A number of people together.
Example:Students work in small groups.
plan (n.)
An idea or program for doing something.
Example:The city has a good plan for education.
extra (adj.)
Additional or more than needed.
Example:The school gave extra help to students.
help (v.)
To give support or assistance.
Example:Teachers help students learn better.
problem (n.)
An issue that needs to be solved.
Example:The problem is that many students struggle.
tests (n.)
Formal examinations to check knowledge.
Example:Fewer tests caused the problem.
media (n.)
The means of communication, like TV or internet.
Example:Social media can affect students' learning.
low (adj.)
Not high; small amount.
Example:Reading scores are very low.
fast (adj.)
Quick or happening soon.
Example:Math scores are going up fast.
slower (adj.)
Not as quick; slower pace.
Example:Reading is slower than math.
use (v.)
To employ or make use of something.
Example:Some states use a new way to teach reading.
sound (n.)
A vibration that can be heard.
Example:It uses sounds to teach reading.