Student math scores in New York plunged at record rates during the COVID-19 pandemic – and school officials say their goal is to make sure students don’t fall behind any further.

Federal officials say math test results recorded their largest decrease ever. Reading scores were at a 30-year low.

Fourth-grade math scores in New York dropped 10 points between 2019 and 2022. Eighth-grade scores dropped 6 points.

“A lot of things are predicated on how you're doing in math and science. So, when you saw these declines, it absolutely is a concern,” said Dr. John Murphy, the assistant superintendent of South Huntington School District.

Murphy says the school is offering morning, after-school and extra help during lunch periods to make up for the decline in test scores.

“We're trying to fill the gaps, but it's going to be a long process, and we're going to be working on this until the day they graduate,” he said.

Gary Rush, the superintendent of instruction and curriculum at Hempstead School District, says this is a moment of truth for education and how they respond will determine the success for the future of students.

The scores showed that 4 in 10 students in New York state did not demonstrate basic reading achievement levels in the fourth grade. Federal officials say those declining math test scores could put students behind in global competition and STEM careers.