COVID-19's Lasting Impact on Connecticut Schools: "A Huge Wedge" Between Student Groups

Strategic Insights -

The COVID-19 pandemic forced over 500,000 K-12 students in Connecticut to transition to remote and hybrid learning, exacerbating existing disparities in learning and achievement. According to University of Connecticut's Associate Dean for Research Morgaen Donaldson, the pandemic widened the gap between different student groups, making it crucial to meet students where they are. Donaldson, the co-director of the Center for Connecticut Education Research Collaboration (CCERC), has worked with the Connecticut State Department of Education to identify issues, conduct research, and develop solutions to address the pandemic's effects on student performance and well-being.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing disparities in learning and achievement, particularly affecting students of color, English language learners, and those on free or reduced-price lunch.
  • Chronic absenteeism rates in Connecticut have nearly doubled since pre-pandemic levels, with the state average rate jumping from 10% to nearly 24% in the 2021-2022 school year, and decreasing to 18% in the 2023-2024 school year.
  • Financial resources play a significant role in a school's ability to rebound from the pandemic's effects, with schools in Alliance Districts facing unique challenges.
  • The Neag School of Education has partnered with Alliance Districts to support their efforts, providing rapid research briefs and facilitating communication with the Connecticut State Department of Education.
  • Creative problem-solving and partnerships with school districts are key components of the CCERC's approach, with one state intervention, the Learner Engagement and Attendance Program (LEAP), achieving remarkable success in increasing school attendance by nearly 15%.
  • Educators have taken a more socio-emotional approach to teaching, with surveys showing that over 1,000 Connecticut teachers reported using socio-emotional learning strategies more frequently in the classroom compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Statistics:

  • Over 500,000 K-12 students in Connecticut were affected by the pandemic.
  • Chronic absenteeism rates:

+ Pre-pandemic levels: around 10%

+ 2021-2022 school year: nearly 24%

+ 2023-2024 school year: 18%

  • The rate of chronic absenteeism is still nearly double pre-pandemic levels.
  • 36 school districts in Connecticut have been identified as Alliance Districts, which have struggled with funding, retaining educators, and student performance.
  • The Learner Engagement and Attendance Program (LEAP) increased school attendance by nearly 15% among targeted students.

Sources:

  • University of Connecticut
  • Center for Connecticut Education Research Collaboration (CCERC)
  • Connecticut State Department of Education
  • Neag School of Education
  • Learner Engagement and Attendance Program (LEAP)
  • Award-winning Feel Your Best Self toolkit