The gender gap in math widened in the pandemic. Schools are trying to make up lost ground
September 5, 2025
Efforts to close the gender gap in STEM education are gaining momentum after setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nationwide, the gap between girls and boys in math test scores had largely closed before the pandemic. But girls lost ground in math test scores during COVID. And the gap has continued to widen. Boys have recovered faster in math since the pandemic, partly due to teaching methods that experts say may favor them. Schools are now working to reintroduce programs that boost girls’ confidence and interest in STEM, aiming to rebuild progress lost during the pandemic.