As we review the results of the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), it is clear that while our schools have made strides in addressing the academic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we still face significant challenges in ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed.
The federal COVID-19 relief funds have played a crucial role in providing much-needed resources to help schools recover and rebuild. These funds have allowed districts to implement critical interventions, expand access to high-quality learning, and support both educators and students as they navigated an unprecedented crisis. The investments made in tutoring, mental health support, summer learning programs, and technology have made a tangible difference in student outcomes, as seen in pockets of improvement across the nation.
However, the NAEP results also underscore that much more work remains. Despite these investments, achievement gaps persist—particularly for our most vulnerable students who continue to experience significant disparities in academic performance. It is clear that we must deepen our efforts to address these inequities and provide targeted support to help all students recover and thrive.
Chiefs for Change remains committed to advocating for solutions that will accelerate recovery, build lasting equity, and prepare all students for future success and economic mobility. As we continue to navigate this challenging moment, we will work alongside education leaders, policymakers, and communities to ensure that every student has access to the high-quality education they deserve.
Together, we can continue to make meaningful progress for our students, but we must recognize that the journey is not over. This is an urgent moment and we need to be more aggressive in reimagining the strategies, structures and processes of our education systems to better meet the diverse needs of our students. More work is required to close achievement gaps, ensure robust support systems, and build the long-term stability our students need to thrive.
For more information on best practices and strategies that school districts used during the COVID-19 pandemic and other education resources to support student success, visit chiefsforchange.org/resources.
