Threat to the economy: what a new study on educational losses in Ukraine has revealed
13 February 20:17
Mathematical literacy among schoolchildren in Ukraine is rapidly declining, and the problem has already reached epidemic proportions. This is evidenced by the results of a study on educational losses in mathematics conducted by EdEra with the support of the Tokarev Foundation, reports "Komersant Ukrainian".
Analysts warn that poor math skills are not just about grades or exam results, but about long-term risks to the economy, technological development, and national security.
What exactly was studied
The EdEra team analyzed:
- the results of the 2022–2024 mathematics NMT,
- data from the international PISA-2022 study,
- in-depth interviews with teachers,
- diagnostic tests of 5th, 7th, and 10th grade students.
The research was also conducted as part of a project to overcome educational losses by the savED charitable foundation.
Key figures
The results were alarming:
- According to PISA-2022,42% of Ukrainian teenagers did not reach the basic level in mathematics;
- only 3% showed the highest results;
- in NMT-2025 in mathematics:
- 12% of participants did not pass the threshold score (that is, one in eight),
- the average result was 132.5 points out of 200;
- For comparison: in Ukrainian language and history, only 1% of participants failed to pass the threshold.
Experts emphasize that a significant portion of graduates actually demonstrate knowledge at the 5th–7th grade level.
Why math “breaks down” in middle school
The study identifies 6th grade as a critical point. It is at this stage that
- students lose motivation,
- fail to grasp basic topics such as fractions, percentages, and negative numbers,
- they begin to mechanically memorize formulas without understanding their practical meaning.
As a result, students cannot apply mathematics in everyday situations — from calculating travel time to understanding how algorithms or navigation work.
The problem is not only with students
The authors of the study emphasize that educational losses are systemic in nature. Among the key factors are
- a shortage of math, physics, and chemistry teachers,
- overloaded curricula,
- lack of tools to explain the practical value of the subject,
- high levels of math anxiety among children.
This problem has previously been acknowledged by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.
Why is this a threat to the country?
EdEra founder Ilya Filipov emphasizes that mathematics is the basis of critical thinking, the ability to assess risks and make decisions. Its widespread loss affects not only education, but also the economy, technology, and management.
The Tokarev Foundation adds that in the context of war and the development of the defense and technology industries, a shortage of mathematical skills could become a strategic problem.
What’s next
Based on the research, experts are already developing educational solutions that are designed to:
- help catch up on key topics,
- reduce math anxiety,
- restore children’s confidence in their own abilities,
- show the practical value of mathematics.
About the authors of the study
EdEra is a Ukrainian online education studio that has been creating educational products for over 10 years: online courses, learning platforms, interactive games, and textbooks. The company has an R&D unit, a communications agency called EdComms, and its own learning platform, ederaLMS, which has over 2 million users. The company has already created about 200 educational products for the state, business, and public sectors and has become the first Ukrainian online education studio whose course is available and adapted in 14 languages on the Coursera platform.
Tokarev Foundation is a technology philanthropy that seeks to develop a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Ukraine through technology and innovation. The foundation promotes positive social change and human capital development through the implementation of innovative projects in the fields of EdTech and HealthTech. The founder of the foundation is Serhii Tokarev, a Ukrainian impact investor and technology entrepreneur working at the intersection of business, innovation, and social impact.
