It’s time for the kids to be off school for the summer, but a new nationwide study says since the pandemic, many are falling behind.

The 2025 Kids Count Data Book shows 73% of eighth graders are not on grade level in math and 70% of fourth graders and behind in reading. The Annie E. Casey Foundation conducted the study. Lisa Lawson is the president and CEO.

“While young people are back in school, they haven’t been showing up consistently,” Lawson said. “So there is a significant issue with high levels of absenteeism, which impacts both the young people who aren’t there for instruction, but also their peers, because when they do come to school, educators often have to go back and repeat lessons.”

Lawson says Michigan ranked 33rd in the report. She says fewer Michigan children are living in high poverty areas.