WASHINGTON (AP) — Math and reading scores among America’s 13-year-olds fell to their lowest levels in decades, with math scores plunging by the largest margin ever recorded, according to the results of a federal test known as the nation’s report card.

The results, released Wednesday, are the latest measure of the deep learning setbacks incurred during the pandemic. While earlier testing revealed the magnitude of America’s learning loss, the latest test casts light on the persistence of those setbacks, dimming hopes of swift academic recovery.

More than two years after most students returned to in-person class, there are still “worrisome signs about student achievement,” said Peggy G. Carr, commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics, a branch of the federal Education Department.

“The ‘green shoots’ of academic recovery that we had hoped to see have not materialized,” Carr said in a statement.

In the national sample of 13-year-old students, average math scores fell by 9 points between 2020 and 2023. Reading scores fell by 4 points. The test, formally called the National Assessment of Educational Progress, was administered from October to December last year to 8,700 students in each subject.

Similar setbacks were reported last year when NAEP released broader results showing the pandemic’s impact on America’s fourth- and eighth-grade students.

Math and reading scores had been sliding before the pandemic, but the latest results show a precipitous drop that erases earlier gains in the years leading up to 2012. Scores on the math exam, which has been given since 1973, are now at their lowest levels since 1990. Reading scores are their lowest since 2004.

Especially alarming to officials were outsize decreases among the lowest-performing students. Students at all achievement levels saw decreases, but while stronger students saw slides of 6 to 8 points, lower performing students saw decreases of 12 to 14 points, the results show.

There were also differences by race. Students from almost every race and ethnicity saw math scores slide, but the steepest drops were among American Indian students, at 20 points, and Black students, at 13 points. The decline for white students, by comparison, was 6 points, while Asian students held even.

The scores reflect the disproportionate impact of the pandemic’s disruptions on Black and Latino students and those from low-income families, said Denise Forte, president and CEO of the Education Trust, a nonprofit advocacy group.

“Students want to succeed, attend college, start a rewarding career and reach their full academic potential,” Forte said. “But they can’t if they continue to lose precious ground.”

Pandemic setbacks appear to be lingering even as schools across the U.S. spend billions of dollars to help students catch up. The federal government sent historic sums of money to schools in 2021, allowing many to expand tutoring, summer classes and other recovery efforts.

But the nation’s 13-year-olds, who were 10 when the pandemic started, are still struggling, Carr said.

“The strongest advice I have is that we need to keep at it,” she said. “It is a long road ahead of us.”

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said the results confirm what the Biden administration knew all along: “that the pandemic would have a devastating impact on students’ learning across the country and that it would take years of effort and investment to reverse the damage as well as address the 11-year decline that preceded it.”

Still, Cardona said he’s encouraged by signs of improvement elsewhere, with some states returning to pre-pandemic levels on their own math and reading assessments.

The exam is designed to measure basic skills in math and reading. Students were asked to read passages and identify the main idea or locate certain information. In math, they were asked to perform simple multiplication and tackle basic geometry, calculating, for example, the area of a square. Most questions were multiple choice.

Asked about their reading habits, fewer students than ever say they’re reading for fun every day. Just 14% reported daily reading for pleasure — which has been tied to better social and academic outcomes — down from 27% in 2012. Almost a third of students said they never or hardly ever read for fun, up from 22% in 2012.

The test also revealed a troubling increase in student absenteeism. The share of students missing five or more days of schools in a month doubled since 2020, reaching 10% this year. Students with fewer missed days had higher average scores in both reading and math, according to the results.

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The Associated Press education team receives support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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Indirectly, the Knicks could have a lasting impact on tonight’s NBA Draft taking place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The team’s chief decision makers woke yesterday to begin their ongoing strategy sessions devoid of a pick in this year’s draft. If the Knicks do not execute a trade, it will be the first time since 2016 the franchise did not make a selection.

However, as a result of several conditions in dealing Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks in 2019, which included the Mavericks placing terms on their 2023 first round draft pick, and acquiring Josh Hart this past February in exchange for three players and their own 2023 first round pick, the Knicks’ calculus seemingly centered on prospects beyond the current group.

Or did it?

They certainly didn’t expect the Mavericks to finish six games below .500 (38–44) and in 11th place in the Western Conference, out of a playoff and Play-In Tournament spot, and increasing their odds in the Draft Lottery to gain one of the top 10 picks. If the Mavericks, which as of the publishing of this article will be drafting at No.10, had fallen out of the top 10, the pick would have been transferred to the Knicks. But the Mavericks placed protections on the pick back in 2019 considering the possible scenario that four years later has manifested.

The Knicks will still indirectly impact this evening’s draft. The Mavericks’ pick and the first rounder New York shipped to the Trailblazers could in the course of time substantially alter those teams’ fortunes and lift them into the upper echelon of league. The Trailblazers will be selecting No. 23. Nikola Jokic (No. 41, 2014), who led the Denver Nuggets to the NBA title earlier this month, and Jimmy Butler (No. 30, 2011), who willed the Miami Heat to this year’s Finals, were taken well after No. 23.

In past drafts, Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics, 1998), Brook Lopez ( Brooklyn Nets, 2008), and Paul George (Indiana Pacers, 2010) were all 10th overall picks.

The Knicks can hopefully look ahead as they have six of their own first round picks between 2024 and 2027. They will also be active, perhaps using those picks, the $12.2 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception, the $4.5 million biannual exception and other assets this summer to upgrade a roster that needs markedly better perimeter shooters and an athletic wing that is a plus defender and efficient scorer.

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It has become increasingly evident that Aaron Judge’s monetary value to the Yankees at minimum is worth every penny of the $360 million the franchise is paying him and arguably exceeds that number. The nine-year deal the 31-year-old outfielder signed in December of 2022 represents his critical importance to the Yankees. 

Judge has not played since spraining his right toe on June 3 in Los Angeles in making a scintillating catch versus the Dodgers, running at high speed into the fence in the right field corner of Dodger Stadium. The reigning American League MVP was having another stellar campaign, batting .291 with 19 homers, 40 RBI, 42 runs, and a 1.078 OPS in 49 games played. 

The Yankees’ record when Judge went out was 35–25: a solid 10 games over .500. They were 40–33 heading into last night’s game (Wednesday) against the Seattle Mariners after breaking a four-game losing streak with a 3–1 victory over the Mariners on Tuesday. Before the win, Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided an update on his star’s status. 

“I’m encouraged by what I’m seeing, just my conversations with him,” said Boone. “I feel like he feels like there’s a little bit of breakthrough with that one, so he’s slowly been doing better and able to do more things. Hopefully that was the start of him starting to make real progress.”

The Yankees’ troubles in trying to generate offense and wins without Judge prompted general manager Brian Cashman to convey an optimistic long-term view. “Judge is a big piece—you’re going to feel it when he’s not in,’’ said Cashman. “A guy like that creates the Fun Bunch, because he always seems to do something right.” 

In addition to his bat, Judge has emerged as one of the game’s best defensive outfielders. But Cashman said the Yankees’ front office isn’t going to panic or make any rash decisions in hoping to compensate for the void left by Judge as they look toward players such as first baseman Anthony Rizzo and designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton to step up. But Stanton was hitting just .196 with six homers and 13 RBI in 26 games heading into last night’s matchup with Seattle. 

“We’re not going to be doing any trading to replace Judge,’’ he said. 

The Yankees conclude their three-game series versus the Mariners tonight, then host the Texas Rangers in three games at Yankee Stadium tomorrow through Sunday. They will start a six-game road trip against the Oakland A’s beginning on Tuesday and then head to St. Louis to meet the Cardinals.The Yankees were in third place in the American League East, 9.5 games behind the first-place Tampa Bay Rays (51–25) and 5.5 games behind the second-place Baltimore Orioles (45–27) when the Major League Baseball schedule began yesterday. While the Yankees still have 88 games remaining and Judge’s return is imminent, they currently don’t bear the look of a World Series contender, which is counter to their lofty expectations on entering this season.

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The celestial body of Pluto retrogrades in Capricorn, Saturn retrogrades in Pisces, and at the end of the month, Neptune retrogrades in Pisces. Earthy Capricorn and watery Pisces are a great fit; they nurture each other. The only thing is that Pisces may overdo it, and Capricorn can be too practical, strictly stuck in their way. That is Saturn’s way of protection. With the right amount of applied pressure, balance, and setting boundaries you learn to surrender to manifest what you need and more. Believe in what you do and have some faith as sight is not always by humanity’s side, that’s why the element air is invisible.  “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase,” Martin Luther King

Capricorn: Cappy June was a personal, professional, soulful, mentally growth spurt. Pluto has taken you back to the root of your foundation since 2008 and will continue until September 1, 2024. The knowledge you gained means it is time to build and apply the data to a book, course, program, speaking engagement, etc. to share with humanity. Every step we take into the unknown to find out the history and origins of life is to better inner-stand ourselves and the structure of the spiritual and physical realms, and the operation of the soul. From 6 a.m. on June 23 until 6 p.m. on June 25, change is essential for growth and preparation follows suit. 

Aquarius: The universe is smiling down on you, and you are smiling from ear to ear. This is a cycle week to reap the benefits of your labor, time, and thoughts you invested into your plans and projects, and simply take time to rest. Traveling, running errands, attending meetups, and replying back to folks is in your forecast. Whatever it is, your time is valuable enough to not allow people to suck up your energy. At 6:57 p.m. on June 26 until 4:55 a.m. on June 28, reflect on where you began and the position you are in now. It always triggers good, bad, and indifferent feelings associated with new ideas to develop to further your growth.

Pisces: Your true identity is showing up, especially when you look in the mirror. Do you notice certain details about your facial features within the structure of your bones? Does your skin have a different look, glow, or aura that has you staring at yourself? No need to ask questions—work on areas you see that need change. From 5 p.m. on June 28 until 10:59 am on June 30th, looking at something is simple yet putting in the work shows your effort to maintain.

Aries: When you apply pressure with pressure, you avoid jams and detours for the mission to be complete so that you can enter the next phase. Although June tests your patience, strength, and willpower, that you stand your ground against all odds signifies the heart of the soul. Stand for what you believe in your soul to allow the heart to guide you to where you need to be. Recompenses are overdue for the work, time, sweat, and long nights and days invested. On June 22, something else is cooking in the oven, and in the days leading up to June 30, are you ready for what’s in store? Are you in a position within the structure of your foundation?
Taurus:  Life gets better, sweeter, and fresher at the same time as the universal aspects of life direct you to the next occasion. A slight change in your plan shows you a side you didn’t see coming before entering a room, place, or space for information. When change knocks at your door, it shows up in mysterious ways through your environment to forge a new path or do things in a different way. Trust what you receive straight from the divine source at 6 a.m. on June 23 until 6 p.m. on June 25, and remember solitude is nature with itself. 

Gemini: Planning for the future means discarding a part of yourself and things attached to that energy. Metaphorically, this energy has been building up since last October; it’s time for new scenery. Creating a new foundation means a new lifestyle within your personal and professional development. What do you truly have a passion for that’s constantly on your mind as you only envision the outcome, wishing you could’ve, should’ve, and would’ve instead of working toward the vision making it a reality? From 6:47 p.m. on June 26 until 4:55 a.m. on June 28, pursue the vision or continue the current route you are on. 

Cancer: June brings about change within your appearance, health, home, community, higher learning, pregnancy, or birth of new ideas—and, importantly, setting boundaries. What improvements are you willing to invest to receive a different outcome within the July 31 cycle when the sun enters your sign? Besides romance and finances, what about the commitment you made to self? Get to know your environment and also the resources available to you through your community, family, and friends to set the tone for a new direction in your life. From 5 p.m. on June 28 until 10:59 a.m. on June 30th, life stops for no one including the dead—it’s always in constant motion. 

Leo: You can feel the change heating up now, pulling on your coattail to ride this wave. This energy of change has been in effect since the last week of February. What will your choice be? It’s time to decide. Go within for the answers you seek. Someone dear to your heart will inspire you to act upon your dreams or simply follow your heart. You see the written signs and messages, and now you are hearing messages from folks. When your mind and heart are matching up to the frequency, pursue before the door closes. On June 22 the days leading up to June 30, you are in for an epiphany session. 

Virgo: “What’s mine is yours” is the old way, and maybe, just maybe, we are reverting to that stage in a different way. We do it with nature by growing food, yet it takes two to produce and share the quality of what nature has to offer. What is your humanitarian effort and foundation you are standing on and beginning? It takes a village to raise one child and a whole city, township, state, and region to awaken more.From 6 a.m. on June 23 until 6 p.m. on June 25, it’s about the humanitarian  network.

Libra: This week be still, as the news you need to hear will present itself to you. Simply do you and go about your day not seeking what is right under your nose. Look at the picture and the details in it. Some messages you can hear clairaudience due to the vibration and the news forthcoming putting you on notice. Practice a fermer la bouche within your daily aspects like in meditation or quiet time. From 6:57 p.m. on June 26 until 4:55 a.m; on June 28, take a refresher course or travel to a place you have never been. 

Scorpio: It’s all about Benjamins manifesting through paper, digitally, and old money due to an investment you made. You were on one heck of a program of giving, receiving, taking, and graced by people who appreciate you. June is a preview month of what’s to come this year. Next month it’s time to add sweat, value, growth, and development within the game. From 5 p.m. on June 28 until 10:59 a.m., June 30th,  roll up yourselves, fasten your seatbelt, and mentally prepare for physical work. 

Sagittarius: Did you catch the universal signals sent your way? It was a hop, skip, then jump to your destination. The only thing is the parachute didn’t come out right away. It only works when you are approaching the main adventure to slow you down just a bit to catch the context clues you see, hear, or have heard of before the adventure comes about. What a mystical quest you are on, and remember, it’s so magical it’s top secret. On June 22 and the days leading up to June 30, you see, hear of, and visit the place and people you need.   

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With the explosive good times in Harlem over Juneteenth weekend, it is no surprise that early voting for city council elections is off to a bit of a slow start this year. 

Early voting started on Sat, June 17 and runs through Sun, June 25. Find pollsites and hours at nycvotes.org.

As of this Tuesday, the Board of Elections (BOE) has completed four days of early voting. So far the unofficial and cumulative number of votes is up to 18,293 across four boroughs. Queens  (5,616) comes in with the highest number of voters, then Brooklyn (4,987) and Manhattan (4,558), and lastly, the Bronx (3,132).

Candidates in the city’s city council, District Attorney, and judgeship races were out beating the pavement and handing out their logos to encourage voters to show up at the polls this weekend. Some, like candidate for District 9 in Harlem Yusef Salaam, voted on the Junteenth holiday. 

“People are still getting used to early voting here in New York. We are doing our part to help educate residents on where to vote. We hope that this process will eventually turn into an increase in voter turnout,” said Assemblymember Inez Dickens, who is also running for city council District 9 in Harlem. “At the end of the day, it is important for Harlemites to exercise their right to choose the best candidate.”

The use of rank choice voting in this year’s 51 city council elections, 21 of which are competitive, makes for an interesting experience. Rank choice voting means that voters can choose up to five candidates for a race in order of preference.

CLICK HER TO FIND YOUR POLLING LOCATION

Dickens nailed an endorsement from long-time supporter Mayor Eric Adams while Salaam teamed up with fellow candidate Assemblymember Al Taylor to entice one another’s voters to rank them.

“I am pumped and energized! Everywhere I go, voters are coming up to us excited and determined to vote for Team Taylor,” said Taylor in a statement. “The people of Harlem are hungry for change – they want a champion who will fight for affordable homes, safe streets, and good schools. And that’s exactly what I intend to do for our community.”

The race has not been without the usual scandals. Both Dickens and Salaam have come under fire from the media about their education. 

Salaam, who does not have a doctorate but an honorary doctorate he received from Anointed by God Ministries Alliance & Seminary in 2014, has received some criticism for going by ‘Dr. Salaam’ at times. Dickens “studied real estate and land economics at New York University and later attended her studies at Howard University,” but didn’t graduate instead receiving certificates, she told to news outlets.

Election Day for the primary is on Tues, June 27. Polls are open 6am-9pm. The last day to request absentee ballots in-person is Mon, June 26. 

Absentee ballots have to be postmarked by June 27 to be valid.

Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about politics for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews1.

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