(Just The News)—The majority of Texas students haven’t recovered from learning losses due to COVID-era lockdown policies and so-called virtual learning programs. The average student achievement in Texas remains over half a grade level below 2019 levels in math and almost one third of a grade level below in reading, according to an analysis published by the Education Recovery Scorecard.
According to its analysis of Texas school districts, Texas ranked 31st among states in terms of recovery in math and eighth in reading between 2019 and 2024.
“Average student achievement in Texas remains over half a grade level below 2019 levels in math (.51 grade equivalents) and almost one third of a grade level below in reading (.31 grade equivalents). In other words, the loss in math achievement in Texas is equivalent to 51% of the progress students typically make annually between grades 4 through grade 8,” CEPR explains.
The analysis found 88% of students are enrolled in school districts whose average math achievement in 2024 remained below their own 2019 levels. Slightly less, 84% of students are enrolled in school districts whose average reading achievement remained below 2019 levels.
The scorecard is a collaboration between the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University and The Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford University. CEPR has reported on learning losses in reading and math and academic recovery measures in districts nationwide for three years.
The analysis is different than one published by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which addresses changes in average achievement by state, because it combines NAEP scores with district scores on state assessments to provide a more extensive description of the change in local communities statewide.
The report breaks down achievement by district in downloadable charts and maps. In some school districts like Arlington and Aldine, the average student remains a full grade equivalent below their 2019 mean achievement in math. In Klein and Conroe ISDs, students nearly recovered to 2019 levels in mean reading and math; Frisco ISD students surpassed their 2019 mean in reading and nearly recovered in math.
Nationally, no state improved its math and reading NAEP scores; more than 100 districts exceeded their scores pre-COVID-era lockdowns. Of the top 100 districts, states with the most recovered were Alabama (19), Louisiana (13), Texas (12), and California (11), according to a list of 100 recovered school districts.
Houston area districts ranked among the top in the state and nationwide, according to the list.
Spring Branch ISD in Houston ranks third best in the country for recovering in math and reading. Magnolia ISD, north of Houston, ranks 15th best nationwide; Angleton ISD, south of Houston, ranks 31st. Other Texas districts in the top 100 were Lubbock-Cooper ISD, Southside ISD, Nederland ISD, Pine Tree ISD, Somerset ISD, Gilmer ISD, Raymondville ISD and Hillsboro ISD.
Chronic absenteeism was a primary factor in learning losses in Texas and nationwide. In Texas, 26% of students were reported for chronic absenteeism in 2022 and 21% in 2023 up from 11% in 2019, according to the report.
As of spring 2024, the average U.S. student nationwide remained nearly half a grade level behind pre-COVID-era lockdown policies in achievement in math and reading. Students today “are even further behind in reading than they were in 2022,” the report found.
Achievement gaps also widened nationwide due to COVID lockdown learning losses. High-income districts were nearly four times more likely to recover than low-income districts, the report found.
Bypass Big Tech Censors
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
