A new trends snapshot report from NWEA examines reading and math achievement trends for students in kindergarten through second grade. In short, the results point to the need for renewed attention on foundational skills.
Much of the national conversation about achievement trends has focused on students in grades 3-8. A new analysis of NWEA MAP Growth data—pulled data from the “Trends Over Time” tab of the MAP Growth National Dashboard, a public tool that shows how K–8 students are performing in reading and math based on data from over 7 million students in 20,000 schools—reveals mixed trends among the youngest students as well.
Compared to 2019, the scores of kindergarten students were mostly unchanged in reading and math. However, students who were in 1st and 2nd grade in 2025 showed incremental growth in math, while stalling in reading—showing little evidence of rebounding to pre-COVID levels. These results in particular cause pause because many of these students were too young to have been in formal school environments during the COVID-19 years, suggesting system-level challenges that extend beyond a single cohort or moment of disruption.
Many states have enacted K-2 math and literacy policies designed to strengthen early learning systems—and that momentum matters.
SVP, Policy & Government Affairs, HMH
The gaps are notable in math, particularly for low-income students
Consistent with trends in the later grades, the data find that math scores for 1st and 2nd graders bottomed out in 2021 and have been rebounding since then. Although scores in these grades remain below 2019 levels, the size of the gap has narrowed substantially. By spring 2025, the gap for 2nd grade has been reduced by more than half, and in 1st grade by roughly two-thirds.
The same trends hold across multiple student groups. For example, students in high-poverty schools suffered larger initial losses but also made up more of their lost ground. Although these recent gains are encouraging, achievement levels for these groups remain concerning.
Reading trends remain troubling
The positive news in reading is that kindergarten scores have remained relatively stable over time. However, the reading scores for 1st and 2nd graders have declined over time and have not shown many signs of improvement.
Although initial losses were smaller in reading than in math, recovery has stalled, and shortfalls in reading are now larger than or comparable to math in some grades. Furthermore, no student subgroup shows evidence of a strong rebound. These largely echo the findings from upper elementary and middle school grades, where reading scores remain stalled.
The good news: with this data, there are actions policymakers can take
The authors of the NWEA report conclude that current achievement shortfalls are not solely the result of disruptions to students’ own early schooling, but also reflect broader, longer-lasting disruptions to education systems that continue to shape their learning trajectories.
However, there are reasons for hope. Since the pandemic, many states have enacted K-2 math and literacy policies designed to strengthen early learning systems—and that momentum matters. More young learners are being flagged early for reading and math challenges through universal screeners, taught with higher-quality instructional materials, supported by better-prepared teachers, and given targeted support and intervention during and beyond the school day.
In math, Maryland’s State Board of Education set a new bar in 2025 with a sweeping PreK–12 policy that strengthens standards, interventions, and high-quality instructional materials. In literacy, states are sharpening their focus on evidence-based materials and universal screeners in K–2—Michigan’s 2025 literacy package is one example. Others, such as Virginia, have also strengthened supports by requiring individualized plans for students with reading difficulties.
Systemic change doesn’t happen overnight—but sustained investment, strong implementation, and mindful monitoring for policy and resource changes can help ensure every child gets the early learning foundation they deserve.
***
HMH’s core math solution Into Math for Grades K–Algebra 1 includes language routines, real-world connections, and more that deepen students’ mathematical understanding.
Get the guide to turn data into timely, targeted instruction for every student.
