Connect with us

Technology

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

Published

1 year ago

on

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

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Felicitysolar Strengthens Brand Presence at SNEC 2026

Published

45 minutes ago

on

June 20, 2026

By

GUANGZHOU, China, June 20 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Felicitysolar presented its energy storage product portfolio, technical progress, third-party recognition, and global cooperation achievements at SNEC 2026, held in Shanghai from June 3 to June 5.

During the exhibition, Felicitysolar showcased solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial energy applications, including the 50kW C&I ESS, 125kW/257kWh system, 125kW/261kWh liquid-cooled all-in-one system, and FLB Series low-voltage residential battery pack. These products reflected the company’s continued focus on system reliability, flexible deployment, and practical energy storage needs across different scenarios.

Felicitysolar also held Chinese and English product presentations on June 3 and June 4, covering commercial and industrial energy storage systems, low-voltage residential battery packs, intelligent management platforms, and the company’s newly developed AI management platform. Through application-oriented explanations, the presentations helped customers better understand the role of Felicitysolar’s products in residential, commercial, and industrial energy management.

Third-party activities during the exhibition added further depth to Felicitysolar’s brand presentation. Intertek issued ETL certificates for Felicitysolar’s energy storage system and photovoltaic inverter products and granted the company Intertek “Satellite Program” laboratory qualification, supporting product access to the North American market and recognizing Felicitysolar’s in-house testing capability. DEKRA presented certificates related to Felicitysolar’s hybrid inverter and energy storage battery system products for European and international standards. SGS granted an Australian grid-connection certificate for Felicitysolar’s IVGM25KHP3G3 Series high-voltage hybrid inverter. EUPD Research recognition was also presented during the exhibition.

In addition, Felicitysolar received three Global Smart Energy Award honors: ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR, FRONTIER TECHNOLOGY, and INNOVATIVE SOLUTION. These awards recognized Felicitysolar’s overall development, the FLB Series low-voltage LiFePO4 battery pack, and the 50kW high-voltage hybrid energy storage system, respectively. Together with the third-party activities, the awards highlighted Felicitysolar’s continued progress in product development, quality systems, market readiness, and solution capabilities.

The company also held partner signing ceremonies for Argentina and Chile, strengthening communication and cooperation with partners in Latin America. As energy storage demand grows across regional markets, localized cooperation remains an important part of Felicitysolar’s global development.

To extend the exhibition experience beyond the venue, Felicitysolar launched an online VR booth tour, allowing customers to explore the booth layout, featured products, and related materials after the event:
https://www.felicitysolar.com/snec-pv-power-expo-shanghai-vr-tour/

Through product showcases, technical presentations, third-party activities, award recognition, localized partnerships, and digital exhibition tools, Felicitysolar used SNEC 2026 to present its brand capabilities in solar energy storage. The company will continue to focus on practical energy needs across residential, commercial, and industrial applications while strengthening its products, services, and global cooperation capabilities.

About Felicitysolar

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Guangzhou, China, Felicitysolar provides solar energy storage solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Its product portfolio covers solar inverters, lithium battery packs, integrated solar street lights, commercial and industrial energy storage systems, and related smart energy solutions.

CONTACT:
Felicitysolar Marketing Department
pr@felicitysolar.com
+86-18620102298

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/felicitysolar-strengthens-brand-presence-at-snec-2026-302805745.html

Continue Reading

Technology

Alcott HR Appoints Michael Pascucci as Director of Strategic Projects

Published

4 hours ago

on

June 20, 2026

By

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

Continue Reading

Technology

Alcott HR Appoints Michael Pascucci as Director of Strategic Projects

Published

4 hours ago

on

June 20, 2026

By

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

Continue Reading

Trending