Only about 1 in 3 Maryland students pass state’s science test in fifth and eighth grades

Only about one-third of Maryland fifth and eighth graders passed the state’s first science test given since the pandemic started, providing solid evidence of what school officials have known is a significant learning loss. Statewide, 30% of fifth graders passed — showing a 10-percentage point decline from 2019. Eighth graders fared better, with 35% passing, a level nearly the same as before the pandemic, which began in March 2020. Third graders were in the first grade when the pandemic began, and educators have been concerned that the youngest children — who had the most difficulty paying attention to online classes — would suffer the most.