The state-mandated lockdowns and school closures had a profound, negative impact on student learning here in the US and globally. Dozens of peer-reviewed studies show significant drops in standardized test scores—particularly in math and reading.

The devastating impacts were magnified in low-income communities, and students with special needs suffered the largest setbacks.

Districts that kept schools closed or remote for longer periods experienced much steeper declines in student achievement and social isolation during remote learning led to rising anxiety, behavioral changes, and high rates of chronic absenteeism that persisted even after schools reopened.

These are facts supported by data.