(NEXSTAR) — School is back in session, bringing in the first wave of students born during the pandemic, dubbed “COVID kindergartners,” into classrooms nationwide. The students older than them, however, still seem to be trying to rebound from their pandemic-era learning disruptions.

The latest report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), shows that eighth- and twelfth-graders are still struggling in key subjects. According to the Nation’s Report Card, the average score across three categories in particular declined in 2024 compared to 2019: eighth-grade science and twelfth-grade math and reading.

For twelfth-graders, 2024 math and reading scores are lower than the U.S. saw in 2005 and 1992, respectively.

Matthew Soldner, acting commissioner of the National Center f

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