Balancing home life and and home school has been difficult for many during this pandemic, but a new report suggests learning from home has been hardest on two groups of students. In a classroom, education is more equalized and students have access to supplies, technology and their teacher.
At home, it is a different story for some. A survey of 1,500 parents who chose to answer via Facebook Messenger shows major gaps in a remote learning, based on family income. The report by the advocacy group, Parents Together, found parents with incomes of less than $25,000 are ten times more likely to say their kids are doing little or no remote learning.
Those students are also three times more likely not to have consistent access to a device and five times more likely to go to a school not offering distance learning materials or activities at all.
In addition to low-income students struggling, one other group is having a hard time as well. Nearly 40 percent of parents whose kids should be receiving individualized support, or are entitled to other special education services, say they are not receiving any support at all.
While the study is not scientific, the group says more resources are needed to prevent low-income students and students with learning challenges from falling further behind.
For those struggling with home schooling, the group says one of the best ways to teach your children is by telling them about the lesson, then immediately showing them how to do the work. You can do a math problem together or watch a short online video, then let your student give it a try.
