In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy Cooke delves into the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's academic performance. She discusses new research highlighting that the core difficulties facing students today—particularly in their ability to think, remember, and problem-solve—are closely linked to the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of looking beyond surface-level explanations, urging educators and families to explore deeper issues affecting children's learning and development. With insights that encourage a proactive approach to education, this episode serves as a valuable resource for understanding and addressing the current academic slump in our schools.