Lessons from COVID-19: Preparing for Disruption by Examining California’s Response and Implications for Students, Learning Modalities, and Access
While many are focusing on the immediate challenges of mitigating learning loss and unprecedented disengagement of students. There is a need to also focus on what we can learn from our response to the pandemic. Disruptions related to pandemics, climate events and other challenges will likely be more frequent and understanding how social systems, especially our K-12 education systems, can prepare to support educators, students and parents is critical.
The COVID-19 and Equity in Education (CEE) Research Spotlight webinar series is back! On March 28, 2024, AIR researchers discussed learning disparities and the digital divide in California. Dr. Deborah Holtzman shared findings from her work, “Effects of Virtual Learning Format During the 2020-21 School Year on Spring 2022 Achievement in California.” Dr. Niu Gao provided insight into the state’s K–12 digital divide and how learning disparities continue to persist post COVID-19.
Participants also heard from Jonathan Isler from the California Department of Education and how this information shapes decisions about support for California schools and districts. There was a facilitated dialogue and participants were encouraged to share their research experiences and ask questions.
Policymaker tools and resources were shared during the presentation.
Moderators
Michael S. Garet
Vice President and Institute Fellow
AIR
Susan Therriault
Managing Researcher
AIR
Presenters
Deborah Holtzman
Principal Researcher, AIR
Niu Gao
Principal Researcher, AIR
Jonathan Isler
Administrator, Office of Research Requests and Partnership
California Department of Education
About the Series
Starting in March 2024, we continue our webinar series focusing on creating a space for dialogue among researchers, education leaders, and policymakers to learn from our collective experience in the K-12 education system, specifically in the context of COVID-19 and issues related to equity.
About the COVID-19 and Equity in Education Initiative
CEE is jointly funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and AIR’s Equity Initiative. The CEE initiative is creating a broad, in-depth view of how states, districts, and their communities—especially those with higher percentages of Black and Latino students and/or students experiencing poverty—responded to the pandemic's effect on K-12 learning opportunities. The aim is to understand not just community responses to the pandemic, but how the pandemic has changed core assumptions about how the education system operates in the context of community.
Accessibility: We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage and participate fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please indicate your needs when you register or contact Carol Felicio.
March 28, 2024
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET