Did the pandemic permanently set back a generation academically?
It’s no doubt that the educational system experienced setbacks when COVID-19 shut down academic facilities. There are many studies that point to a decrease in mathematical comprehension and reading skills, particularly in grade school students. Looking at the numbers, an analysis of the impact of the pandemic on student learning was done by the Education Recovery Scorecard, a collaborative effort among researchers from Harvard, Stanford, John Hopkins, Dartmouth and the testing company, that predicted students would be behind “one-half year in math and one-third of a year in reading,” by 2022 (Ryan Doan-Nguyen). Now, it’s past 2022, and the good news is that students across the United States have been making a stronger recovery than predicted, however the pandemic worsened pre-existing inequality between socioeconomic classes, and full academic recovery is still not complete. Analysis from 2024 still shows that recovery in math and reading is below what it should be proving that test scores and academic aid are needed more than ever, especially for low-income students, (Erica Meltzer, National Editor). Grade school students are supposed to be exhibiting an exponential rate of cognitive development where problem-solving, teamwork, and decision-making are in their prime progression. It has been a challenge in San José to help students achieve grade-level standards. The solution to which many of these researchers and organizations believe will combat these challenges is to incorporate additional resources, programs, and tutors that are accessible to all students no matter their socioeconomic status.
That’s when SJ Learns comes into the equation! SJ Learns is a city funded program at the San José Public Library Foundation that focuses on funding academic achievement. At the end of 2022, funding from the American Rescue Plan made it possible to provide communities with a new grant opportunity under the SJ Learns initiative called Tutoring Matters. Specifically targeting 4th-12th graders, Tutoring Matters offers access to resources and high-quality tutoring services from the Bay Area Tutoring Association (BATA). Tutoring Matters’ mission is to supplement what students learn in school and provide one-on-one or small group tutoring to guide and help each student, while fostering academic success. Students are taught by well-trained, culturally competent, trauma-informed staff who are experienced in working with high–need students. Tutoring Matters partners with community-based organizations and local education agencies that serve children who are English learners, homeless or foster youth, and other unprivileged demographics who are in neighborhoods that experience achievement gaps throughout the San José area. One teacher stated, “I’ve seen remarkable progress in my students who participated in Tutoring Matters. It’s truly making a difference in their academic journey.” With the drive for excellence and equality, the Tutoring Matters program provided over 1,200 hours of quality tutoring in 2023, truly empowering every student to excel inside and outside of the classroom. BATA tutors conduct assessments to identify learning gaps for every participant of the program, so that each student is met with a curriculum that caters to their learning preferences and needs. This program focuses on teaching concepts about the operation and function of numbers, fractions, algebraic expression, measurement units, data representation, and geometric concepts.
The success of these initiatives is measured through evaluations derived from data collection, student achievement, and parents’ satisfaction. Acknowledging that each student has varying learning paces and preferences, Tutoring Matters provides an accessible and flexible learning environment allowing students to address their individual academic challenges with interactive learning experiences to reveal the real-life applicability of mathematics, as well as create a sense of competence and growth mindset for students that struggle with new and difficult concepts. Hands-on activities and other opportunities are supported with technology driven resources, so that students can focus on the learning, applicability, and creativity that math requires. The goal is to engage and educate schools initiatives, family units, and struggling students through this program while building confidence which can translate into other challenging circumstances that they may find themselves in.
Tutoring Matters has added far more to its participants than just a higher test score, and students are experiencing and understanding math beyond just the numbers. With the noticeable trend in the lack of academic engagement and confidence that grade school students have demonstrated since the events of 2020, Tutoring Matters proves to be a strong force in the education system. By embracing the importance of additional academic aid and empowering students to cultivate a healthy relationship with conquering challenges and trusting in their abilities, Tutoring Matters is helping students catch up to where they need to be academically. Each student feels more involved and connected to what they are learning than they would in a regular classroom setting. This program has resulted in enhanced test performance, high academic achievement, and positive feedback from student reports. 100% of students felt supported by their BATA tutors and 93% agreed that the sessions created an engaging and stimulating learning environment. Tutoring Matters moves with ambition to continue the SJ Learns initiative for the future of each student and the San José area, so that full potential is being reached on an individual level and community perspective
So, has the academic performance of grade school students recovered since 2020?
The answer is no; however, our nation is making better progress than projected because of programs like Tutoring Matters and SJ Learns. Students who were falling behind in school are now saying, “I thought math was boring before, but the tutoring sessions were actually fun! My tutor had all these cool activities and games that made learning math way more interesting.” This testifies to the actualization of Tutoring Matters’ mission to encourage and reveal the creative and applicable side of math in a way that boosts student’s academic motivation and confidence. If you are a community-based organization that is a part of a local education program based in the San Francisco Bay Area, consider applying for a one-year grant provided through SJ Learns to push towards eliminating learning gaps that students are still experiencing. Learn more about qualifications and share this page with a family or student who could benefit from this resource. No matter the academic needs, everyone matters to Tutoring Matters.