Understanding the Education Recession: What Parents Can Do to Support Their Child

A recent article in The New York Times examined the troubling long-term decline in U.S. student achievement. In this article, we will dive into the causes, the exceptions, and what parents can do to support their child.

To start, here’s an important question to ponder: Why are academic outcomes worsening despite the significant resources invested in education? According to the OECD, the United States spends approximately $19,500 per student each year across primary through tertiary education, compared to an OECD average of about $12,000 per student. In other words, the U.S. spends roughly 60% more per student than the average developed nation, with only a handful of countries spending more.

Yet despite this investment, student performance has been steadily declining. The analysis found that most school districts are performing worse today than they were in 2015, with approximately 83% of districts experiencing declines in math, reading, or both over the past decade.

Causes for the Decline

While many people attribute these challenges to COVID-19 and the resulting disruptions to education, the data suggest that the decline actually began years before the pandemic. Although the pandemic certainly accelerated learning loss, particularly in reading and math, researchers point out that signs of a broader academic downturn were already evident.

There is no single explanation for this trend. Researchers have proposed a variety of contributing factors, including increased screen time, changes in how children spend their free time, and broader social and educational shifts. Most experts agree that the decline is likely the result of multiple factors rather than one specific cause.

What School Districts are doing Right

Despite these challenges, some school districts have managed to buck the trend and demonstrate meaningful academic growth. Common characteristics of these successful districts include:

• Strong early literacy instruction, often grounded in phonics and explicit reading instruction
• Extensive teacher training, coaching, and professional development
• Consistent academic expectations and structured learning environments

These findings suggest that the solution extends beyond simply returning to pre-pandemic practices. If we hope to reverse the current trajectory, schools must prioritize early screening, evidence-based interventions, and high-quality instruction. Equally important is ensuring that educators have the training, curriculum, and support systems necessary to help students succeed.

While the challenges are significant, the success of some districts demonstrates that improvement is possible when schools invest in proven instructional practices and provide timely support to students who need it most.

At the start of the 2025–26 school year, California implemented Senate Bill 114, which requires public school districts to screen all Kindergarten through 2nd-grade students for reading difficulties. This is a significant step forward, providing teachers and families with valuable information about students who may be struggling and aligning with best practices from the Science of Reading.

In addition to these systemic improvements, there are several ways parents can remain proactive in supporting their child’s learning:

How Parents Can Support Their Child

1. Prioritize Intentional Family Time

Creating opportunities for meaningful, screen-free family interaction can support a wide range of academic and executive functioning skills. Board games, card games, puzzles, and other family activities help children practice reading, math, problem-solving, memory, attention, and strategic thinking in a fun environment.

Consider setting aside regular screen-free time during evenings or weekends. This could include family reading time, outdoor activities, or simply engaging in conversation together. These experiences help strengthen the foundational skills children need to succeed in school while also fostering stronger family connections.

2. Invest in Targeted Support When Needed

Early screening and intervention are among the most effective ways to address learning challenges. If your child appears to be falling behind peers academically, don’t assume they will simply “catch up” with time. Seek out qualified professionals, such as educational therapists, reading specialists, or learning specialists, who can provide targeted, evidence-based support.

It’s far easier to help a second grader who is one year behind close the gap than it is to help an eighth grader who has fallen several years behind. Delaying intervention can result in the loss of valuable instructional time and may begin to affect a student’s confidence, motivation, and overall attitude toward school. Addressing concerns early gives children the best opportunity to build skills and experience success.

3. Stay Informed

Parents play a critical role in advocating for their children. Take time to learn about the supports available through your child’s school, as well as your rights if your child has a learning disability or requires accommodations.

Resources such as our educational blogs, parent workshops, and organizations like Understood.org provide valuable information and practical strategies for supporting students with learning differences. The more informed parents are, the better equipped they are to make decisions and advocate for the support their child needs.

By combining early identification, timely intervention, and ongoing family involvement, parents can help ensure their children develop the literacy and learning skills necessary for long-term academic success.