This research brief examines whether taking Algebra in 8th grade instead of 9th grade improves student outcomes. Using a nationwide sample of MAP Growth scores for middle schoolers, NWEA researchers looked at how many students who were ready for Algebra actually enrolled, and how outcomes were affected for students who were or were not ready for the course.

Using data from the MAP Growth National Dashboard, this research brief highlights an urgent challenge in academic recovery: middle school reading. While students have shown encouraging progress in math and elementary reading since the pandemic, reading achievement among grades 6-8 remain stagnant, with the lowest-performing students falling even further behind.

This research brief examines the relationship between chronic absenteeism and academic recovery from COVID-era disruptions to learning. Using MAP Growth data from 2,000 US school districts, NWEA researchers analyzed whether persistently high absenteeism rates were associated with slower recovery in math and reading.

NWEA research brief examining Kindergarten test scores from more than 400,000 U.S. students and noting patterns that can predict academic success or identify students at risk of falling further behind. This early identification is key for educators, enabling them to intervene and influence learning trajectories before the next critical milestone: third grade.

This research brief examines the academic diversity of post-COVID classrooms, including the composition and spread of academic achievement levels. Key findings highlight the challenges facing educators as more students are off-track and further behind grade-level proficiency.

This research brief examines the data on holding back five-year-olds from starting kindergarten – a practice known as redshirting. Using national data from over three million kindergartners from NWEA’s MAP Growth K-2 assessment, this study explores redshirting trends between fall 2017 and 2025. It also follows a kindergarten cohort (2021-22) through the third grade, examining whether there were academic advantages for redshirted students.

This short research brief highlights trends seen in the latest data released in the NWEA Map Growth National Dashboard. In this latest edition of Trend Snapshots, key findings focus on trends in K-2 academic recovery following the COVID pandemic.