State of COVID Recovery: Student Behavior & Learning Deficits

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to educational systems worldwide, impacting students’ learning and behavior. As educators continue to navigate the recovery phase, it is crucial to understand and consider the extent of these impacts and employ strategies to mitigate learning loss.

Ongoing Learning Deficits

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant educational setbacks, with widespread learning deficits and cognitive development issues among students. As educators grapple with these challenges, it’s clear that targeted interventions are essential to help students catch up academically.

1. Learning Loss: According to research conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), “92 percent” of public school leaders “indicated at least some level of concern about students meeting academic standards.” Educators are concerned that the state-mandated tests in math and ELA (English language arts) may not be an accurate reflection of students’ abilities. Pairing learning loss with chronic absenteeism, students and educators face more challenges to catch up.
2. Cognitive Development: While some students adapted to online learning, many struggled with lack of direct interaction, leading to reduced engagement and comprehension. According to Harvard professor & researcher Thomas Kane, Ph.D., students may have “lost about half a grade in math and a quarter of a grade in reading.”

Student Behavior Setbacks

Unsurprisingly, the pandemic not only affected students academically, but it also significantly impacted student behavior. Even after being back in the classroom for nearly two full school years, students are still struggling to readjust socially, highlighting the need for focused support in social-emotional development.

1. Social-Emotional Well-being:
   • Increased Anxiety and Stress: The uncertainty and isolation associated with the pandemic heightened levels of anxiety and stress among students. The absence of peer interaction and extracurricular activities exacerbated these issues.
   • Behavior Changes: Educators report an increase in behavioral issues, such as difficulties focusing, increased absenteeism, and in some cases heightened aggression or withdrawal.
2. Social Skills:
   • Diminished Social Interactions: The lack of regular social interactions affected students’ social development.
   • Adjustment to In-Person Learning: As schools reopened, students faced challenges in readjusting to in-person learning environments, requiring time to relearn routines and social norms. One teacher noted the need to re-socialize post-pandemic:

“The way people interact in an online space is how students now interact in real-life space—no filter. And that was already hard for middle schoolers before the pandemic: that act of stopping, taking a moment to form your words and think through the consequences of each choice.”

COVID Recovery Strategies in Schools

Schools are implementing a variety of strategies to aid COVID recovery, focusing on academic interventions, mental health support, and technology integration. These efforts aim to address learning gaps, support student and teacher well-being, and enhance digital literacy for a comprehensive recovery.

1. Academic Interventions:
   • Tutoring Programs: Many schools have implemented targeted tutoring programs to support students who may fall or have fallen behind. These programs focus on small groups or one-on-one sessions to address specific learning gaps. Learn about practical applications in the classroom in the Promising Practices section.
   • Reconnect: When teachers face pressure adapting and reformulating teaching strategies, addressing teacher burnout with opportunities for professional development, reduced workload, or prioritizing their teacher well-being can be ways to show them they are supported. Additionally, schools who prioritize a sense of community and belonging let students know they can thrive in a safe environment and reengage with their peers. An interview with author Doug Lemov offers insights into supporting students.
2. Mental Health Support:
   • Increased Counseling Services: Schools are investing in more mental health resources, including hiring additional counselors and providing training for teachers to recognize and address mental health issues. Learn more from Lisa Nobles as she highlights the importance of supporting students in her Champion Showcase Profile.
   • Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs: SEL programs have been integrated into the curriculum to help students develop skills like empathy, self-regulation, and resilience. Learn more about incorporating SEL practices into the classroom with tips from a prior blog post.
3. Technology Integration:
   • Hybrid Learning Models: Many schools have incorporated or adopted hybrid learning models that combine in-person and online learning opportunities to offer flexibility and more personalized learning opportunities.
   • Digital Literacy: Efforts are being made to enhance digital literacy to ensure students can effectively use technology for learning purposes. Learn more about practical ways to incorporate digital literacy into lesson planning. Further your tech knowledge with a list of trends that may support development in your district.

The road to recovery from the educational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is complex, but information and proactivity can be tools to address gaps in your school. Addressing learning deficits and behavioral changes requires a multifaceted approach that includes academic support, mental health resources, and innovation. Understanding and responding to these challenges ensures educators, parents, and policy makers work together to support students overcoming learning loss paving the way for a more resilient and equitable education system.

Let PublicSchoolWORKS support your staff with training or solutions like StudentWatch or EmployeeSafe.