Navigating the Educational Landscape in the Wake of COVID-19: Disparities, Challenges, and Paths to Inclusive Learning in Massachusetts

Presenter

James N. Marathas

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Muzzo Uysal, Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 5, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A43, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 3 (A41-A60) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

In 2019 the Global outbreak of COVID-19 further exacerbated vulnerabilities in the educational pipeline. The pandemic necessitated radical transformations in the delivery of education. Education at all levels was shut down forcing students to stay at home and learn digitally. As institutions adapted to the pandemic and stay-at-home ordinances, reliance on online learning emerged as a pivotal strategy to maintain the educational system. As institutions around the world shifted to online learning many challenges and questions of concern were brought to the surface, particularly mental health issues amongst the quality and outcome of the education.

Questions about the effectiveness and quality of online learning guide this research to find out what worked and what did not. This study will employ a mixed methods approach finding both qualitative and quantitative data. Primary data will include surveys and conversations between the researcher, students, and educators. Secondary sources include available test scores and data from schools and colleges across Massachusetts particularly available MCAS scores. The study will also attempt to shine a light on vulnerabilities in certain districts before COVID-19 and how things have changed since the pandemic.

This study will contribute theoretically to the challenges brought on by the pandemic and offer practical insights for policymakers. This study will take place in Massachusetts to make the study generalizable.

Keywords

Education, Inequality, Coronavirus, Mental Health, Emergency Management

Research Area

Education & Educational Research

SIMILAR ABSTRACTS (BY KEYWORD)