 Dear reader,
We begin a new year in dark times. As school districts throughout the nation struggle to safely reopen and soaring pandemic numbers keep more students home, concerns are once again growing about learning loss.
Recent studies affirm worries about inequality: Students in majority Black schools fell a full 12 months behind those in mostly white schools, up from a nine-month achievement gap in years past. But so many questions remain about how it will all play out in the months to come, which is why columnist Jill Barshay takes a deep look at the research to see what we know so far, while laying out some of what could come next.
The stress of negotiating day-to-day safety while also keeping students learning is taking a well-documented toll on school district leaders, who are leaving in record numbers – although it’s not just the pandemic that’s making the job feel so impossible. Black teachers, meanwhile, are also leaving their jobs, a big loss particularly for students of color who rely on them. During these tough days, it’s important than ever to share breakthroughs and find moments of joy in education. Please share yours with us, we love to hear from our readers.
Liz Willen, Editor
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