2020 marks a year that many students would call the worst of their lifetime. Covid created a huge disadvantage for students everywhere; behaviorally, academically, and socially. 

The experience of students and teachers, and average test scores, can be used to measure the decline in student performance after 2020. 

Students have shown an increase in skipping classes, and participating in misconduct. Also, there’s been a decline in motivation, engagement, and test scores.

One of the most glaring consequences of the Covid year reveals itself in academic performance. Mrs. Vicki Hastings, a seasoned teacher who witnessed the shift firsthand, reflected on the changes in student engagement after being asked her thoughts on students’ motivation after 2020. Her response was that “Students were less motivated to learn, and seem to care more about the grade than anything.” This differed from her answer after being asked about engagement levels before Covid where she stated that “Engagement was very high, mostly everyone came to class, and actually enjoyed coming to class.”

These observations are not isolated incidents. Nationwide statistics have shown a decline in standardized test scores. In 2019, the average SAT score was 1059, but by 2023, it had decreased to 1028—the lowest since 2016. Simultaneously, the average ACT score similarly saw a drop from 20.7 to 19.5.

Aside from academics, the Covid year also brought behavioral shifts. Coach Kelly, Fairfield Ludlowe High School’s security guard, sheds light on the behavioral changes observed during the pandemic by stating how “every kid is different,” which reflects how some kids were able to handle the change while others weren’t.

The change in behavior and academics is also reflected in students’ experiences. Jason Magoon, a 12th-grade student, recalls the shift to online learning by stating how “Grades became unimportant. I didn’t even look, my grades probably decreased.” Students who had to go through Covid during a crucial point in their lives may have not recognized how important things like academics are. Magoon also stated that he felt “more engaged in learning, and had an easier time retaining information” after online school had ended. 

As we navigate the aftermath of the Covid year, the impact it had on us cannot be ignored. As we move forward, understanding these impacts and keeping them in mind is crucial to creating a supportive and understanding educational environment—which every student needs.