The global pandemic created a huge group of involuntary homeschooling families. Research is now revealing the extent of learning loss among the new American "home schooled" students as well as drawing attention to the gaps teachers will be expected to fill when schools open in the fall.
It has been reported that a majority of students did not consistently complete remote assignments, did not earn traditional grades, and were sometimes unable to receive necessary help from parents who were working (from home or otherwise).
According to research, "The average student could begin the next school year having lost as much as a third of the expected progress from the previous year in reading and half of the expected progress in math..."
School administrators and teachers know they will need to spend significant time in review of skills and content (that should have been taught the previous year) while they must also teach the new grade level curriculum. Parents will need to be more involved than ever, to quickly communicate with the teacher if concerns arise and to promptly engage the help of tutors and/or academic coaches if their children begin to struggle academically.
In addition, students are going to need increased social and emotional support due to the impact of social isolation, family struggles, economic hardship, and health concerns. Unicef and the National Association of School Psychologists offer strategies for parents as they guide their children through the evolving changes and emotional impact related to COVID-19. KidsHelpLine offers a guide to supporting your children as they return to 'normal' after the pandemic.
You know your child best when it comes to knowing when he/she is struggling. If you need support and guidance, NC State Institute for Emerging Issues has a detailed list of resources available to parents and caregivers.
It has been reported that a majority of students did not consistently complete remote assignments, did not earn traditional grades, and were sometimes unable to receive necessary help from parents who were working (from home or otherwise).
According to research, "The average student could begin the next school year having lost as much as a third of the expected progress from the previous year in reading and half of the expected progress in math..."
School administrators and teachers know they will need to spend significant time in review of skills and content (that should have been taught the previous year) while they must also teach the new grade level curriculum. Parents will need to be more involved than ever, to quickly communicate with the teacher if concerns arise and to promptly engage the help of tutors and/or academic coaches if their children begin to struggle academically.
In addition, students are going to need increased social and emotional support due to the impact of social isolation, family struggles, economic hardship, and health concerns. Unicef and the National Association of School Psychologists offer strategies for parents as they guide their children through the evolving changes and emotional impact related to COVID-19. KidsHelpLine offers a guide to supporting your children as they return to 'normal' after the pandemic.
You know your child best when it comes to knowing when he/she is struggling. If you need support and guidance, NC State Institute for Emerging Issues has a detailed list of resources available to parents and caregivers.
