The Human Intelligence Podcast The Hidden Problem in Every Classroom: Why Teaching by Age Doesn’t Work with Dr. Karen Rambo-Hernandez
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Oct 13, 2025 Dr. Karen Rambo-Hernandez, an education researcher and associate professor at Texas A&M University, dives into the complexities of grade-level designations in modern classrooms. She discusses how COVID-19 affected student achievement in reading and math, revealing significant variability among students of different ages. Dr. Rambo-Hernandez advocates for a shift from age-based grouping to one that considers students' readiness and ability, exploring practical strategies for teachers to address diverse needs and urging systemic changes to benefit all learners.
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COVID Reduced Scores And Changed Variability
- Achievement dropped from pre-COVID to mid-COVID in both reading and math. Math fell more in mean scores while reading showed larger increases in variability.
Classrooms Span Multiple Grade Levels
- Typical elementary math classrooms span about five grade levels of readiness. Typical reading classrooms span about seven grade levels, making reading needs even more varied.
Teaching By Age Creates A Mismatch
- Teaching to a single grade level misses most students' needs in a diverse classroom. That mismatch creates a nearly impossible task for teachers without strong supports.