Two recent studies have analyzed the impact of the $190 billion in pandemic aid allocated to U.S. schools, with the majority of the funding being provided in 2021 to support student recovery efforts. Despite being the largest one-time federal investment in American education, the studies found that the aid only led to modest improvements in student test scores.
According to Thomas J. Kane, an economist at Harvard University involved in one of the studies, the funding did play a role in helping schools recover, but there was potential for a greater impact. The studies, conducted by researchers from Harvard, Stanford, Dartmouth, and the University of Washington, examined test results from the 2022-23 school year across approximately 30 states. They found that for every $1,000 in federal aid spent, there was a slight increase in math and reading scores for students in third through eighth grade.
The Biden administration viewed these results as a validation of the government’s investment in education back in March 2021, during the peak of the pandemic when many schools were still closed. Neera Tanden, President Biden’s domestic policy adviser, emphasized that the investment had helped students make progress and catch up on lost learning.
While the studies indicate that the federal aid did have a positive impact on student performance, they also suggest that there is room for improvement in how the funds are allocated and utilized. Moving forward, it will be important for policymakers and educators to consider how to maximize the effectiveness of such large-scale investments in education to ensure that students receive the support they need to succeed.
In addition to the studies’ findings, it is essential to recognize the broader context in which these investments were made. The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching consequences on the education system, disrupting learning for millions of students and exacerbating existing inequalities. The unprecedented scale of the federal aid provided a lifeline for schools struggling to meet the needs of their students during a time of crisis.
Looking ahead, the lessons learned from this massive investment in education can inform future policy decisions and resource allocations to better address the ongoing challenges facing our schools. By continuing to prioritize the well-being and academic success of students, we can build a stronger and more resilient education system that is equipped to support all learners, especially in times of crisis.