They write better, understand less

The results of the 2026 ModA tests reveal concerning trends in student comprehension, despite improvements in writing and mathematics. While students are producing more text, their ability to understand what they read has declined significantly. The ModA tests, based on robust methodologies, provide a clearer picture of these trends, showing a drop in reading comprehension scores for both 4th and 6th graders. This decline is echoed in international assessments like PISA, indicating a systemic issue in reading skills. The article emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and explicit teaching of reading skills, advocating for a return to paper-based tests for younger students to better assess comprehension. It also suggests that test results should impact student grades to encourage serious engagement with the assessments.