June 17, 2020

Dear John,

The "COVID slide" could cost U.S. school students up to 50 percent of their annual math gains and 30 percent of their reading gains, some experts predict. While the transition from classroom to home learning has been bumpy for many students and parents, the challenge is proving even greater for many of the nation's estimated 5 million English Learners (ELs). Among the reasons? The digital divide and loss of access to school staff who can communicate in languages other than English.

As states face budget shortfalls and consider cuts to education spending, school districts would do well to partner with community groups that have demonstrated experience in supporting EL students and their families, as we explain in a new commentary from MPI's National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy.

"As school districts emerge from the pandemic’s fallout and consider reopening their doors, they face a tough budget environment and a long to-do list," writes Melissa Lazarín, Senior Advisor for State Early Childhood and K-12 Policy. "Their work must begin by prioritizing ELs and other students who are at risk of permanently disconnecting from school. Nonprofits that are most familiar with these students are well positioned to support their efforts."

Analysis

The Migration Policy Institute is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit think tank in Washington, D.C. dedicated to analysis of the movement of people worldwide. MPI provides analysis, development and evaluation of migration and refugee policies at the local, national and international levels. For more on MPI, please visit www.migrationpolicy.org.