The pandemic has highlighted many societal issues, including inequities in the workplace and wealth distribution. Another pressing topic is the plight of vulnerable students in the United States. According to a recent NPR report, educators are increasingly worried about children who have not attended virtual classes. The nonprofit organization Bellwether Education Partners estimates that approximately 3 million students may have dropped out of school since March 2020. This organization, focused on assisting underserved youth, cites various reasons for this trend, including lack of internet access, disabilities, unstable housing, and language barriers.
The term “ghosting,” typically used in social contexts, has taken on a more concerning meaning during the pandemic, as families lacking internet connectivity find it challenging to receive support from schools. Laura Thompson, a social worker interviewed on a December episode of 60 Minutes, noted, “This is uncharted territory; we’ve never had to search this hard for children in my career.”
Connectivity issues are common, even in urban areas. “Wi-Fi has been a challenge for everyone,” said James Cruz, a community school specialist in Baltimore. When a student becomes unreachable, teachers worry about more than just academic performance. “Our students depend on teachers and staff for various forms of support, including food and health care,” Cruz explained.
Part of Cruz’s role involves reaching out to students and their families to determine their needs for success. “Many kids rely on breakfast and lunch programs to get through the day,” he added. Prior to the pandemic, Cruz focused on enhancing parental involvement and assisting with school uniforms. Now, his efforts are largely directed towards tech support, ensuring that students receive devices like tablets—if he has the correct address. Often, he spends his days attempting to locate students who have gone missing, sometimes calling outdated numbers or discovering that students have relocated to different states. When he manages a home visit, there are times when no one answers the door.
Educators fear that temporary school withdrawals might turn into permanent ones if families do not receive the necessary support. “We need to maintain communication and check on our children, making sure they are okay,” Cruz emphasized.
Additional Resources
For additional insights into relevant topics, you might find this post on home insemination interesting here. If you’re looking for authoritative information on home insemination, you can check out this site here. Additionally, for a comprehensive understanding of pregnancy and related topics, visit this excellent resource here.
Search Queries:
- Impact of pandemic on school dropouts
- Virtual learning challenges for kids
- Support for vulnerable students during COVID-19
- Addressing educational inequities in America
- The role of teachers in student support systems
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption in education, leading to an estimated 3 million students potentially dropping out of school. Challenges such as lack of internet access, disabilities, and moving homes have contributed to this crisis. Educators are concerned about the long-term effects on these students, as they rely heavily on schools for various forms of support. Maintaining communication and providing necessary resources is critical to support these vulnerable children.
Leave a Reply