Recent studies have revealed a concerning trend in math education: girls have fallen behind boys in math scores since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. To address the tremendous academic losses incurred from the long closures, schools are doing their best to shutter unprecedented academic losses. As they do, they’re finding an alarming gender gap in math achievement. In 2023-2024, boys were scoring better on math than girls in close to 90% of districts across the country. This trend has undone the progress we had made toward gender equity prior to the pandemic.
This is particularly troubling as it is emblematic of a bigger issue plaguing our education system. Once again, girls risk losing the progress they’ve made during the past decade. Girls had been doing much better in math before the pandemic. Some districts even claimed that girls were earning outstanding averages above that of the boys. However, momentum has clearly slowed. Consequently, educators and administrators are scrambling to find answers to re-engage female students in STEM subjects.
The Impact of the Pandemic on Girls’ Math Performance
The pandemic has greatly impacted students’ academic engagement and achievement. For Kenny Rodrequez, a superintendent in rural Colorado, there was a more alarming trend. As boys monopolized classroom conversations, girls became less engaged in STEM classes. This change is the result of a number of different trends. Shifts in teaching dynamics with remote learning and lack of motivation for girls to engage negatively impacted their performance the most.
Michelle Stie, vice president at the National Math and Science Initiative, noted that traditional biases and outdated practices resurfaced during the pandemic. These stereotypes can push young women away from developing interests in math and science. Megan Kuhfeld, the lead author of an NWEA study examining the impact on student performance, made a profound observation. She added that the drop in girls’ math scores isn’t simply a product of the pandemic—there are other systemic factors involved as well.
As schools continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic, educators across the country are taking targeted measures to combat these disparities. School districts are doing a better job of inspiring girls to approach math with confidence. It’s their mission to bring equity back to academic achievement.
Innovative Teaching Approaches to Engage Female Students
It’s true that many schools are starting to embrace much more powerful, creative teaching strategies and curricula. Their goal is to re-engage girls’ interests in STEM fields. At Irving’s Townley Elementary School, Tenisha Willis led her second graders through a hands-on LEGO Education science lesson where they built machines. This hands-on, minds-on approach encourages students’ creativity and problem-solving skills, while encouraging collaboration among students.
Meanwhile, Sofia Cruz, a sixth grader, participated in similar educational activities designed to inspire curiosity and enthusiasm for science and math. These lessons greatly enhance students’ hands-on abilities. They encourage them to learn about themselves as nascent scientists and engineers.
Raphael Bonhomme, one of those committed educators who do so much to narrow the gender divide, starts each school year with a powerful practice. This activity gets students to interrogate and deconstruct their identities. He creates an environment where students want to talk about their passions and future goals. His mission is to inspire every student—especially girls—to become immersed in STEM areas.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist. In de Zavala’s higher grades, some elective STEM classes have just one girl registered. This underscores the critical importance of sustained outreach and motivation for girls throughout their education.
Rebuilding Confidence in Math through Curriculum Changes
Recognizing the urgency of addressing gender disparities in math performance, many districts have piloted new curricula aimed at enhancing engagement among female students. Notable among these is a new science curriculum developed through collaboration with LEGO Education, which emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking.
O’Connor Schools have already implemented this curriculum with the hopes of training future critical thinkers and problem solvers. Educators want to encourage more girls to pursue a passion for math and sciences. They achieve this by including real-world, hands-on projects that allow for teamwork and innovative thinking.
The journey forward is still a difficult one as educators fight day-in and day-out to restore faith in girls’ mathematical skills. Schools are working hard to make girls not just catch up, but be ahead and have more success in their schooling.
