Impacts of Extended School Closures on Education: What Happens When Schools Remain Closed for an Extended Period
Extended school closures have become a pressing concern due to sudden disruptions such as pandemics or other emergencies. This article explores the potential effects of extended school closures on students and education systems, particularly whether children will be required to repeat grades, and the measures taken to mitigate these negative impacts.
Will Children Have to Repeat Their Grades?
The notion of students repeating grades due to extended school closures is not a universal occurrence. In many cases, schools continue to provide educational content and credits, allowing students to progress to the next grade level even with a gap in physical schooling. For example, my school maintained continuous classes for credit and ensured that students would work through new credits in the following year. However, there have been some noticeable challenges. The higher-than-normal failure rate suggests that more students may need to repeat certain classes compared to previous years, but overall, the traditional grading and progression system remained intact.
Grading Exceptions and Documentation
States have implemented various exceptions to grading during extended school closures. Texas, for instance, allowed flexibility in grading but required additional documentation for students who failed courses. This meant that all reasonable efforts were made to contact the student and collect necessary work. This is a common approach taken by other states as well, ensuring that the grading system remains fair and transparent, even in times of crisis.
Impact on Next Year's Classes
Extended school closures do not necessarily mean that next year's classes will start from the beginning. Most educational institutions acknowledged that students may have academic deficits, but they were prepared to start from where the students were. This approach ensures that the curriculum progresses smoothly and that students do not fall too far behind. Teachers and administrators are generally aware of the challenges and are taking proactive steps to address them.
Continued Schooling and Online Learning
Most notably, schools continued their operations even after physical classes were suspended. The transition to online learning was swift and efficient. For instance, my university shifted to online courses in mid-January 2020, covering all necessary topics through pre-recorded videos and providing continuous support to students.
Online learning allowed for the fulfillment of all course requirements, except for the cancellation of certain activities such as oral presentations. Despite this minor adjustment, students received the same credentials as they would have in a traditional setting, ensuring that their achievements were recognized and valid.
Conclusion
Extended school closures disrupt the normal rhythm of education, but the severity and duration of these disruptions can vary widely. Through creative solutions and the implementation of online learning, educational institutions can mitigate the negative impacts and ensure that students do not face the burden of repeating grades unnecessarily. As we navigate the challenges of extended school closures, it is crucial to maintain a balanced approach that prioritizes both academic progress and student well-being.
Key Points:
- Schools tend to continue classes for credit during extended closures, maintaining the potential for advancement.
- Grading exceptions and documentation requirements help maintain fairness during these periods.
- Courses typically start where students left off, adapting to deficits but maintaining academic integrity.
- Continued online learning ensures that all course requirements are met.
Stay informed about these critical issues in education by monitoring updates from educational authorities and staying engaged in community discussions.