The effects that COVID-19 had on academic performance in school-aged children are now demonstrably clear. Reading scores in elementary students dropped 5 points from 2020 to 2022 (the largest drop in 32 years), and math scores dropped 7 points over that same time (the first drop in math scores ever recorded). More alarming, however, is that the “achievement gains” during 2022–23 (making up for the loss that was experienced) fell short of pre-pandemic trends, meaning that the disparity that existed at the start of the 2022 school year remained the same at the end of the school year. In other words, no lost ground was made up, and it is not expected that any of this catch up will occur during any traditional school year. As this observation was seen across all demographics and all socio-economic status, it is very likely your child is behind where he or she should be.
It is estimated that the average student will require 4.1 months of additional schooling to catch up to pre-COVID levels in reading and 4.5 months in math. Those at greatest risk are children with learning disabilities (which affects 1 in 5 children nationally), and those who require special accommodations or IEPs. Given all of this, it is highly likely that your child is not at the same stage of learning as someone their age was at prior to COVID, and unless he/she is engaging in summer school for two consecutive years, they will not make up for this learning loss at the current rate of recovery that was demonstrated this past school year.
Students are struggling now more than ever, and this has been reflected by the 8% increase in stimulant prescriptions from 2020 to 2021 (creating a demand to where national shortages of stimulants exist). While many parents turn to medication when their child is struggling, there are effective, non-drug interventions that have been shown to help in many of these areas, with neurofeedback therapy being among them.
Neurofeedback is an effective, non-invasive therapy that addresses abnormal brainwave patterns and can be very effective with the challenges that children are facing today. In fact, a study from May, 2023 found that neurofeedback therapy “improved academic performance and self-concept in children with learning disabilities” . Our experience over the last 13 years is that neurofeedback has helped many children thrive academically, socially and emotionally. The qEEG analysis (also known as “brainmap”) provides information about a person’s brainwave patterns, and these patterns often contribute the challenges that they are experiencing.
We are currently offering a “Student Promotion” so that parents and students can better understand how their brain is operating, and it opens the door to understanding how neurofeedback therapy might be able to help. This promotion includes an in-office consult (normally $195), the qEEG evaluation and the report of findings (normally $425) for the inclusive price of $399. This offer is limited to the first 20 students, so if you were interested, please call as soon as possible to take advantage of this opportunity. 203.316.8212. Learn more at our website – brainandbodyofnorwalk.com.
1 https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/highlights/ltt/2022/
2 Lewis, K. & Kuhfeld, M. (2023). Education’s long COVID: 2022–23 achievement data reveal stalled progress toward
pandemic recovery. NWEA.
3 https://www.ncld.org/news/newsroom/the-state-of-ld-understanding-the-1-in-5/
4 Martínez-Briones BJ, Flores-Gallegos R, Cárdenas SY, Barrera-Díaz BE, Fernández T, Silva-Pereyra J. Effects of neurofeedback on the self-concept of children with learning disorders. Front Psychol. 2023 May 15;14:1167961.