Effects on Student Learning

Topic: COVID-19 effects on student learning of children attending NYC Public Schools in a low socioeconomic urban environment

We are also very grateful for the partnership of @FollowCSA and @UFT, other labor partners who we know share our vision to serve every student and deliver an excellent education while keeping our school communities safe and healthy. Thank you. https://t.co/A4zKxLg67r

— Chancellor Meisha Porter (@DOEChancellor) September 3, 2020

According to Fresh Creek School officials, their internal data, which consists of state test simulations and the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment, is designed to assess a student’s academic achievement and growth over time in reading and mathematics.

Together with other classroom-based information, MAP results can help teachers make instructional decisions that match the needs of each child. The internal data suggest that students are generally managing to stay on track with their ELA academic performance during the pandemic; however, in grades three to five, academic performance in math has regressed.

As a result, teachers have begun additional lessons on Fresh Creek Fridays and Saturdays, which are targeted to addressing specific unfinished learning in ELA and math.  

Jessie Fields, the Fresh Creek teacher, said, “I don’t mind sacrificing a few hours on Saturdays. Like my principal always says, the stakes are high, and I am willing to go above and beyond to make sure my scholars are learning what they need to learn to be successful.”

The city’s Department of Education is launching a new plan to help students recover from learning loss due to the ongoing pandemic, while also focusing on their emotional and mental health needs, officials announced Thursday.

Although Richard Carranza, the chancellor for New York City Schools, described the past several months as a “whirlwind” for students, parents and educators. “It’s time to think about recovery,” he said.