COVID-19 caused schools to shut down and drastically shift instruction from in-classroom to remote learning.
After one spring, two summers, and an entire school year, it is adequate that pause and reflect on what impact COVID-19 has had on education.
What has been learned about education since the beginning of the shut-down and how can this help schools prepare as they ready to open for the 2021-22 school year as the delta variant emerges as another threat to education?
The primary concern is the long-term effect on student learning and growth. What will it be? How will it manifest in students? How can educators identify it? What can be done to provide support for students, families, schools and future employers.
Five key points learned from the effect of COVID-19 in education are:
- Education MUST GO ON.
- Distance Learning CAN be implemented successfully.
- Distance Learning HAS limits.
- In-Person Classroom Instruction is the MOST effective method for Teaching and Learning.
- Hybrid Instruction (A mix of In-Person and Distance Learning) COULD become the model for the future of education.
Educators, advocates, and stakeholders in classrooms, schools, and districts should take time to fully understand the benefits/challenges that have been faced since the spring of 2020 in order to prepare for the upcoming school year and beyond.
Manuel R. CotezRodas - Educator
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