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Gen Z's Math Struggles: Pandemic's Lasting Academic Impact

12/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Gen Z faces lasting academic effects from the pandemic as schools maintain test-optional policies.
A University of California, San Diego (UCSD) report shows a 30-fold rise in students unable to meet basic math benchmarks.
The study also finds that 1 in 8 freshmen fail high school math standards.
Harvard University has introduced a remedial math class for underprepared freshmen, signaling urgent institutional responses.

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Story summary

Gen Z faces lasting academic effects from the pandemic as schools maintain test-optional policies.
A University of California, San Diego (UCSD) report shows a 30-fold rise in students unable to meet basic math benchmarks.
The study also finds that 1 in 8 freshmen fail high school math standards.
Harvard University has introduced a remedial math class for underprepared freshmen, signaling urgent institutional responses.