Local school divisions addressing pandemic learning loss

“Teachers note that students across the grade levels have had an impact, from the frequent disruptions to their learning. Certainly, the minister is correct that it is particularly concerning for our youngest learners because that’s where we build foundational skills that help carry students through the balance of their school careers,” Davidson said.

The disruptions and impacts differ from each individual learner, according to Davidson.

For older students, while many have been adaptive to online learning, but for some, that hasn’t always been the case.

“We had students that have drifted off in March and each time we have gone back to online learning I have been really impressed, the vast majority have come with us but those who drift, drift a long, long way, and it is hard to get them back once we get to face-to-face,” he said,

Now moving forward, the school division is focusing on professional learning to address those disruptions.

“Professional learning is focused on the science of reading, really digging into, what do we know about how children learn to read? And how can we shift our practice to accelerate students’ pace of learning?” Davidson explained.

Professional learning became a priority this year, in part in response to some of the division’s data on reading readiness.

At the Prairie Rose School Division, deputy superintendent Reagan Weeks said students have been incredibly resilient at navigating the pandemic, and adapting their learning throughout.

She said while the new funds are welcome, the division has had a focus on literacy for the past six years.

The division’s focus now, will be to continue that work to support students and to meet them where they are at in learning.

“Teachers are experts at differentiating instruction, and being flexible in adjusting to make sure they are adjusting to needs and we intend to continue that,” she said.

For parents concerned about their child’s literacy levels, Weeks said there are some things parents can do.

“Things like ensuring there are lots of books in the home. Having conversations about what they themselves are reading with their children is certainly welcome,” she said.

But Weeks said parents should also recognize that kids have missed out on a lot, the past year and half and encouraged families to enjoy the great outdoors and to have fun this summer. She said students especially in younger grades need a lot more time for play to aid in their development.

A spokesperson for the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education was not available for an interview, but in a statement, the catholic division welcomed the province’s newest funding announcement.

“We look forward to working with students and parents this fall to ensure that these gaps have been mitigated,” stated Dwayne Zarichny, superintendent of schools

by Tiffany Goodwein

Local school divisions addressing pandemic learning loss

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