Technology

New NWEA Research Suggests Pandemic Reopened Achievement Gaps Favoring Boys in Math and Science

Published

1 year ago

May 13, 2025

PORTLAND, Ore., May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NWEA, a K-12 assessment and research organization, released a new study examining the impacts of COVID-19 school closures and disruptions on boys and girls in STEM skills. The new report, “Boys regain the advantage in middle school STEM skills: Post-COVID trends in gender achievement gaps,” highlights that STEM gaps in achievement between boys and girls that took more than a decade to close were reopened in just four years.

The study used a robust set of data from three national assessments, Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMMS), the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), and NWEA’s MAP Growth, to examine trends in gender gaps in 8th grade over the course of the pandemic. The study also analyzed MAP Growth data from approximately two million U.S. students to see if the gender gap widened for both low- and high-achieving students. The final part of the analysis looked at 8th-grade Algebra enrollment across 1,300 U.S. public schools to determine if participation rates differed by gender throughout the pandemic. Key findings indicate some concerning trends:

Girls’ STEM achievement declined more than boys’ between 2021 and 2024, reversing decades of progress in closing gender gaps in these subjects. This decline was not seen in reading scores.Similar patterns were observed in other English-speaking countries (Australia, England, New Zealand) and on state-level assessments in the U.S.Gender gaps widened after a return to in-person school. The gaps became more pronounced after 2022.Fewer girls are enrolling in 8th-grade Algebra, a gateway course to more advanced mathematics and STEM fields.

“These trends are concerning, especially since decades of progress in closing those gaps between boys’ and girls’ achievement in STEM skills were, essentially, wiped out in four years,” said Dr. Megan Kuhfeld, Director of Growth Modeling and Data Analytics at NWEA. “Our goal in providing this analysis is to shed light on concerning trends and the potential long-term impact if these gaps are not addressed. The data doesn’t tell us why these gaps were widened, and more understanding and research are needed to provide our education community with insights on how best to address this moving forward.”

One trend that could have long-term impacts on STEM pathways for girls is the decline in girls enrolling in 8th-grade Algebra. This course is a gateway to higher-level mathematics and is a key step in future college and career opportunities in STEM fields. The study found enrollment rates in 2022 had dropped for both boys and girls, but boys’ enrollment rebounded to 2019 levels by the 2024 school year, while girls’ enrollment remained two percentage points lower than before COVID-19 hit.

This new research study underscores that the pandemic was not an equal opportunity hitter and disruptions to learning impacted some student groups more than others. Moving ahead, we must look beyond surface-level comparisons and dig into how different groups of students are faring over time to ensure that recovery efforts don’t inadvertently reinforce old inequities or allow new ones to take hold. This includes:

Monitoring participation in key STEM milestones by gender, over time, not just within a single year.Providing targeted support for students’ academics and well-being.Examining classroom dynamics and instructional practices.

View the full report at https://www.nwea.org/research/publication/boys-regain-the-advantage-in-middle-school-stem-skills-post-covid-trends-in-gender-achievement-gaps/

About NWEA

NWEA ® (a division of HMH) is a mission-driven organization that supports students and educators in more than 146 countries through research, assessment solutions, policy and advocacy, and professional learning that support our diverse educational communities. Visit NWEA.org to learn more about how we’re partnering with educators to help all kids learn.

Contact: Simona Beattie, Communications Director, simona.beattie@nwea.org or 971.361.9526

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-nwea-research-suggests-pandemic-reopened-achievement-gaps-favoring-boys-in-math-and-science-302452630.html

SOURCE NWEA

Technology

Alcott HR Appoints Michael Pascucci as Director of Strategic Projects

Published

3 hours ago

June 20, 2026

FARMINGDALE, N.Y., June 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Alcott HR announces Michael Pascucci as Director of Strategic Projects. Michael brings over ten years of experience in HR operations and project management.

Before joining Alcott HR, he held senior roles leading technology upgrades and launching new employee benefits programs. This experience supports Alcott’s initiatives, helping the company grow while putting clients first.

As Director, Michael drives operational excellence at Alcott HR by leading strategic projects. He maintains processes to ensure Alcott stays flexible and personalized during growth. Michael focuses on projects that further enhance client support.

Improving Data Accuracy: Michael connects Alcott’s main systems with partners. Automating these connections streamlines onboarding and enrollment, ensuring benefits and payroll are accurate and secure. This gives clients confidence their information is in good hands.

Creating a Seamless Client Experience: Michael is improving how Alcott manages projects and client renewals. With consistency in these processes, Alcott delivers a seamless, dependable experience, especially during year-end reporting and enrollment.

Building for Growth: By replacing manual tasks with digital solutions, Michael helps Alcott grow with its clients. This allows the team to focus on building relationships and offering expert HR guidance to help clients achieve their goals.

“Michael doesn’t just manage projects, he builds systems that help our team excel,” said Kristen Bartolotta, Sr. Director of Operations at Alcott HR. “His ability to transform complex processes into streamlined solutions has improved our efficiency and enhanced our client service.”

“Working with the talented Alcott team has been a great experience,” said Michael Pascucci. “I’m excited to continue working across departments to improve our processes, boost efficiency, and help the company keep growing.”

Through these efforts, Michael helps Alcott deliver even greater value to clients by driving innovation, strengthening relationships, and ensuring every organization can reach its potential.

About Alcott HR: Alcott HR is an IRS Certified* and ESAC Accredited, Professional Employer Organization that provides a comprehensive range of human resources solutions to small and mid-sized businesses. With nearly four decades of experience, Alcott HR offers customized services that allow businesses to manage their workforce more effectively while staying compliant with state and federal regulations. Their services include payroll, benefits, risk management, and HR support, designed to help businesses grow and succeed.

The IRS does not endorse any particular certified professional employer organization.

Media Contact:
Sarah Zulawski
Marketing Specialist
szulawski@alcotthr.com
(716) 241-8893

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alcott-hr-appoints-michael-pascucci-as-director-of-strategic-projects-302805721.html

SOURCE Alcott HR

Technology

Alcott HR Appoints Michael Pascucci as Director of Strategic Projects

Published

3 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Through these efforts, Michael helps Alcott deliver even greater value to clients by driving innovation, strengthening relationships, and ensuring every organization can reach its potential.

The IRS does not endorse any particular certified professional employer organization.

Media Contact:
Sarah Zulawski
Marketing Specialist
szulawski@alcotthr.com
(716) 241-8893

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alcott-hr-appoints-michael-pascucci-as-director-of-strategic-projects-302805721.html

SOURCE Alcott HR

Technology

Vaultzy and Miracle University Pilot Demonstrates AI-Powered Document Management for Students. Expansion Planned for California Foster Youth Programs

Published

4 hours ago

June 19, 2026

A successful student pilot demonstrates how secure digital records and AI guidance can help them access education, employment, housing, and life opportunities

SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 19, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Vaultzy, an AI-powered document management and life assistant platform, today announced the successful completion of a pilot with Miracle University, demonstrating how secure digital records and intelligent guidance can help students overcome barriers to education, employment, and economic mobility.

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, noted, “Never expired. Never lost. Your vital documents, all in one secure place.”

For many students, particularly those facing economic hardship or life disruptions, lost identification, unavailable transcripts, and scattered paperwork can delay enrollment, employment, housing applications, financial aid, and access to public services. Vaultzy was created to address this challenge by providing a secure, user-controlled platform for lifelong document management.

Beyond document storage, Vaultzy recently launched the first version of its AI-powered Life Agent. The platform allows users to interact with their personal records and receive guidance related to major life transitions. By understanding what documents a user has available, the Life Agent can help identify requirements and next steps for education, employment, healthcare, government services, financial planning, and other important milestones.

The pilot was conducted in partnership with Miracle University, a Sacramento-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students who have left the traditional education system earn their high school diplomas and achieve academic and career success. The initiative focused on helping students digitize, organize, and securely manage their most important records while introducing them to emerging technologies that can support their long-term success.

“Our mission is to help students overcome barriers and unlock their full potential,” said Dr. Kadhir Raja, Founder of Miracle University. “Students need access to their documents, confidence in managing important life transitions, and guidance on what comes next. Vaultzy helps bring all of these together, empowering students to navigate education, employment, housing, and other life opportunities with greater confidence and independence.”

The pilot demonstrated the importance of giving individuals lifelong access to trusted records while providing the tools and guidance needed to use them effectively. As California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, noted, “Never expired. Never lost. Your vital documents, all in one secure place.”

Looking ahead, Vaultzy plans to continue expanding its AI-powered capabilities. “We envision a future where every individual has a trusted AI companion that not only safeguards their records but also helps guide them through life’s most important transitions,” said Avanti Ramraj, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Vaultzy.

The success of the Miracle University pilot is helping inform broader discussions with educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, and public-sector leaders interested in modernizing how individuals manage and access trusted records while receiving guidance through important life transitions. One of the most promising opportunities is the potential application of Vaultzy within programs serving foster youth, seniors, and other underserved populations.

About Vaultzy

Vaultzy is an AI-powered document management and life assistant platform that helps individuals securely store, manage, and share important records throughout their lives. Combining secure document management, document intelligence, multilingual assistance, and agentic AI capabilities, Vaultzy is building the infrastructure for lifelong document ownership and trusted digital identity.

About Miracle University

Miracle University is a Sacramento-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students overcome educational barriers and achieve academic, personal, and professional success. Through mentorship, education, and community support, Miracle University equips students with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to transform their futures.

Media Contact
Anupriya Ramraj, Vaultzy, 1 510-255-0657, contact@vaultzy.ai, www.vaultzy.ai

Twitter, LinkedIn

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/vaultzy-and-miracle-university-pilot-demonstrates-ai-powered-document-management-for-students-expansion-planned-for-california-foster-youth-programs-302805103.html

SOURCE Vaultzy