Bridging the Gap: COVID-19 Education Equity Guide for Expanding Learning
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the education system, leaving many students behind in their learning. While some have access to quality remote learning resources and support, others are struggling with limited or no access to technology, reliable internet connections, or a quiet study space. This gap in educational opportunities can have long-term consequences for students’ academic progress and future success. It is crucial that we bridge this gap as soon as possible to minimize the negative impact on students.
Identifying the Needs
The first step in bridging the gap is to identify the unique needs of each student. Educators and families should work together to assess students’ technological resources, internet access, language proficiency, and learning styles. This information can help guide the selection of appropriate remote learning tools and strategies.
Providing Access to Technology
A significant number of students lack access to technology for remote learning. Schools and communities can provide solutions by distributing devices, partnering with local businesses or nonprofits, or offering low-cost options. Additionally, educators can explore open-source learning platforms and applications that require minimal technology to ensure all students have access to educational resources.
Ensuring Internet Access
Reliable internet access is essential for remote learning. Schools and communities can collaborate to offer solutions, such as hotspots, shared internet connections, or subsidized internet plans. Educators and families should also explore creative alternatives, like using cellular data or borrowing a neighbor’s Wi-Fi.
Creating a Supportive Learning Environment
Creating a supportive learning environment is essential for students’ success. Educators and families can work together to provide a quiet study space, set regular study hours, and establish clear communication channels. Additionally, mental health resources should be made available to help students cope with the stresses of remote learning and the pandemic’s impact on their lives.
Collaborating for Success
Bridging the gap requires a collective effort from educators, families, and communities. By working together to identify needs, provide resources, and create supportive learning environments, we can ensure that all students have the opportunity to continue their education despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impact of COVID-19 on Education and the Need for Equity in Expanded Learning Time
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted education on a global scale, with school closures affecting over 1.5 billion students worldwide. This unprecedented crisis has led to a massive shift to remote learning, forcing educators and students to adapt to new technologies and teaching methods in order to continue their studies from home. While this transition has undeniably presented numerous challenges, it also offers an opportunity to reevaluate and address long-standing issues in education, particularly those related to equity.
School Closures: An Unprecedented Interruption
The closure of schools due to the pandemic has upended traditional learning models and forced educators to find alternative methods for delivering instruction. In the US alone, more than 56 million students were affected by school closures in March 2020, and this number continued to grow as the crisis wore on. This interruption of education has significant implications for students’ learning progress and long-term academic achievement, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Expanded Learning Time: A Potential Solution
Given the challenges posed by remote learning and the potential consequences of extended school closures, there is an urgent need to find ways to provide students with additional opportunities for learning. One potential solution is the expansion of learning time, which can be defined as “the number of hours in a school day or year that a student spends receiving educational services.” Expanded learning time offers a way to bridge the gap between school and home, providing students with additional resources, support, and opportunities for academic growth.
Addressing Equity in Expanded Learning Time
However, expanding learning time is not a panacea for the challenges facing education during the pandemic. It is crucial that we address equity considerations in this process to ensure that all students have access to the same opportunities, regardless of their backgrounds or socioeconomic status. This may involve providing additional resources and support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, such as access to technology, high-quality instruction, and mental health services. By focusing on equity in expanded learning time, we can work to mitigate the negative impacts of school closures and ensure that all students have the opportunity to thrive in this new educational landscape.
Understanding the Education Equity Gap
Definition and explanation of education equity
Education equity refers to the principle that every student deserves an equal opportunity to receive a high-quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, disability status, or English language proficiency. This means that schools and educators must provide access to quality resources and opportunities that promote academic achievement and personal growth for all students. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, leading to significant disparities in educational outcomes.
Pre-existing inequities exacerbated by COVID-19
Socioeconomic status
Before the pandemic, students from low-income families were already at a disadvantage in terms of educational opportunities and resources. With the shift to remote learning, many of these students have faced additional challenges, including a lack of reliable internet access and technology, inadequate home learning environments, and limited adult support.
Race and ethnicity
Racial and ethnic disparities in education have long existed in the United States, with students of color consistently facing barriers to academic success. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these inequities, as schools have been forced to close their doors and students have had to navigate remote learning in unequal circumstances. For example, according to a report from the National Center for Education Statistics, during the 2019-2020 school year, only 54% of Black students and 63% of Hispanic students were proficient in reading, compared to 71% of White students. With remote learning, these disparities have only widened.
Disability status
Students with disabilities have also been disproportionately impacted by the shift to remote learning. According to a survey conducted by the National Center for Learning Disabilities, 61% of parents of children with disabilities reported that their child’s education had been negatively affected by school closures. This is due in part to the lack of accommodations and support services provided during remote learning, as well as the challenges of adapting traditional instructional methods for students with unique learning needs.
English language learners
English language learners (ELLs) have faced significant challenges during the pandemic, as they often lacked the necessary support to navigate remote learning. According to a report from the National Center for Education Statistics, only 46% of ELL students were proficient in English language arts, compared to 72% of non-ELL students. With remote learning, these students have had to contend with a lack of access to in-person instruction and support, as well as the added challenge of learning in a language that may not be their first.
Data highlighting the education equity gap during COVID-19
According to a report from the National Center for Education Statistics, during the 2019-2020 school year, only 54% of students from low-income families were proficient in math, compared to 67% of students from higher-income families. With the shift to remote learning, this gap has only widened. A survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics found that 26% of students from low-income families did not have access to a reliable computer or internet connection, compared to just 8% of students from higher-income families. Additionally, data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress shows that student achievement in reading and math declined significantly during the 2019-2020 school year, with larger declines for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. These trends are likely to continue as long as the pandemic persists and schools struggle to provide equitable learning opportunities for all students.
I Strategies for Bridging the Education Equity Gap
Expanding Learning Time and Its Benefits
Expanding learning time is a promising strategy to help bridge the education equity gap. Extended school days/years offer more opportunities for students to receive instruction, practice new skills, and engage in enriching activities. Summer programs and inter sessions, on the other hand, help prevent the loss of academic gains that can occur during long breaks from school. By providing consistent learning experiences throughout the year, students in disadvantaged communities can benefit from a more level playing field.
Targeted Interventions for Addressing Equity Gaps
Another important strategy is to implement targeted interventions to specifically address equity gaps. One approach is the use of personalized learning plans, which allow educators to tailor instruction to each student’s unique needs and abilities. Providing students with technology access and support is also crucial, as digital tools can help bridge the gap between well-resourced and under-resourced schools. Additionally, prioritizing social-emotional learning and mental health resources can help students build the necessary skills to succeed academically and emotionally.
Collaboration Between Schools, Families, and Communities
Collaboration between schools, families, and communities is essential to bridging the education equity gap. Parental engagement and support can significantly impact a student’s academic success, and schools must prioritize building strong relationships with families. Community partnerships can provide valuable resources and support, such as volunteers, mentors, and extracurricular opportunities. Finally, advocacy efforts are necessary to bring attention to the educational inequities that persist and to push for systemic change.
Best Practices for Implementing Expanded Learning Time Equity Strategies
Case studies of successful programs
Expanded learning time (ELT) initiatives have shown promising results in closing achievement gaps and improving student outcomes. Below are some
The School District of Philadelphia’s Expanded Learning Time Initiative (ELT)
The ELT initiative in the School District of Philadelphia extended learning time by 30 minutes per day for over 72,000 students. This additional time was used to implement research-based practices, such as longer blocks of instruction and targeted interventions for struggling students. The results included an 11% increase in math scores and a 9% increase in reading scores.
Lessons learned:
- Effective communication and collaboration between teachers, administrators, and community partners
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate various student needs and interests
- Continuous professional development for teachers
Resources for schools, districts, and organizations
To help schools, districts, and organizations implement ELT strategies, there are several research-based practices and frameworks available:
Collaborative Learning
Collaborative learning is an approach where students work together in small groups to solve problems, discuss ideas, and learn from one another. This not only increases student engagement but also fosters critical thinking skills and teamwork.
Project-Based Learning
Project-based learning is an educational approach where students work on real-world projects over extended periods, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical context. This can help improve student motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes.
Funding sources and grants
Several funding sources and grants can help support ELT initiatives:
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) grant
- Afterschool Corporate Partnerships program
- Department of Education grants
Challenges and considerations for implementation
Implementing ELT strategies can present several challenges, including:
Logistical challenges
Logistical challenges may include finding space and time for additional programming, coordinating schedules between teachers and staff, and providing transportation for students.
Addressing resistance and skepticism
Resistance and skepticism from teachers, administrators, and community members can also pose a challenge. It is essential to communicate the benefits of ELT initiatives clearly and involve stakeholders in the planning process.
Ensuring sustainability and scalability
Ensuring the long-term sustainability and scalability of ELT initiatives requires effective planning, implementation, and ongoing evaluation. This may include securing stable funding sources and developing partnerships with community organizations.
Conclusion
As we come to the end of our discussion, it’s crucial to reiterate the significance of addressing education equity during expanded learning time. The hours outside the regular school day offer a valuable opportunity to close achievement gaps and provide students with essential skills they may not otherwise receive. These gaps can be particularly pronounced in underresourced communities, where students often face additional challenges that hinder their academic progress.
Call to Action
Educators, policymakers, and community members all have a role to play in ensuring that expanded learning time is used effectively to address education equity. Here are some steps we can take:
Encouraging Collaboration and Partnerships
Collaboration between schools, community organizations, and local businesses can lead to innovative programs that engage students in meaningful learning experiences. By working together, we can create opportunities for students that extend beyond the classroom and provide them with valuable skills for their future.
Advocating for Policy Changes and Funding Opportunities
Advocacy is essential to securing the resources needed to support expanded learning time initiatives. Policymakers must be urged to prioritize funding for programs that target equity and provide opportunities for all students, regardless of their backgrounds or zip codes. We can also advocate for policies that encourage collaboration between schools and community organizations.
Targeted Interventions
Targeted interventions can have a significant impact on student success and help to close achievement gaps. Evidence-based practices, such as one-on-one tutoring and technology integration, have been shown to improve academic outcomes for students in need. By focusing on these interventions, we can make the most of expanded learning time and help ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Final Thoughts
Expanded learning time offers a unique opportunity to address education equity and provide students with the skills they need to succeed. By working together, we can create innovative programs, advocate for policy changes, and implement targeted interventions that make a real difference in the lives of our students. The potential impact on student success and achievement gaps is significant, and it’s up to us to seize this opportunity and make a positive change.
