ACHIEVMENT GAP

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected learning for children of all ages across the globe. The consequences of the gap between students who have access to virtual learning and those who don’t could be felt for years to come (Balingit). These gaps are creating an unequal environment for children to continue their education and thrive in. The “homework gap” has left millions of students unable to complete their assignments while at home. A study done by the NTIA suggests that 12 million students are affected by this gap (Fishbane and Tomer), ultimately putting many students at an extreme disadvantage and at risk of falling behind.

More affluent households have access to internet and remote learning opportunities, whereas lower income households become heavily reliant on their school system. This socio-economic gradient in educational outcomes during the pandemic has shined a light on many inequalities. This cohort of students will be suffering from an educational achievement gap due to the coronavirus’s education interruption (Jazeera). The Economist argues that the typical American student will lose 6.8 months of learning if in-person classes don’t begin until January 2021.

Learning will disproportionately affect poorer students. These vastly different modes of learning are only going to widen the gap between the rich and poor in America in the future, as the rich students are able to continue, while the poor student’s education comes to a halt or continues at a slower and different rate (The Economist).