Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, schools across our country had to transition between both in-person and remote learning and, for many months, solely provided remote learning. Research has shown that students have experienced major declines in academic achievement in the subjects of math and reading in the years following the pandemic. These declines may have significant impacts on students as they advance into adulthood, such as decreased earning potential and lower levels of educational attainment.
 
Similar consequences have been observed in other disruptive scenarios, such as natural disasters. Whether for a pandemic or any other circumstance that may result in a period of educational disruption or temporary school closures, there is no state requirement for schools to establish a plan to deal with learning loss and, given the potential consequences, it is important that schools be prepared to provide enhanced instruction to students in these situations.
 
My legislation would amend the Public School Code to require the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to develop model guidelines and best practices for schools to consider in the occurrence of an event that may cause student learning loss and results in a school closure or remote learning for five or more days. These events may include a pandemic, natural disaster, or employee strike, among other circumstances. Upon the occurrence of such an event, schools would be required to implement a remediation plan to provide enhanced instruction to students to mitigate potential learning loss effects. Enhanced instruction may include tutoring, extended or additional school days, or other remedial measures recommended by PDE.
 
While these kinds of situations will always pose unique challenges to our schools, it is essential that schools have procedures in place to limit the educational consequences that could affect our students. Without intervention, our students’ ability to learn may be challenged, which can have consequences years into the future. These procedures will best consider the individual needs of students affected by these incidents and help maintain student academic growth with minimal disruptions.
 
Please consider co-sponsoring this legislation that will better prepare schools for challenging circumstances that may negatively impact the education of our students without proper intervention.