The Lingering Effects of COVID on Public School Students: How Best Brains Can Help Bridge the Gap

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education in ways we are still grappling with today. Even though students have returned to classrooms, many are still facing significant delays in learning due to the extended periods of remote instruction, lack of social interaction, and overall uncertainty during the pandemic. Public school teachers are struggling to meet academic expectations while addressing the needs of students who may be several months—or even years—behind in key subjects like math and reading.

At Best Brains Learning Center in Mechanicsburg, PA, we understand these challenges and are here to help students and parents navigate this ongoing educational recovery. In this post, we’ll explore the lingering effects of COVID on public school students and explain how our personalized learning approach can address these delays and keep students on track academically.

The Impact of COVID on Students' Learning

During the pandemic, school closures, virtual learning, and inconsistent access to resources resulted in substantial learning gaps. Studies have shown that:

• Delays in foundational skills: Students in elementary school, in particular, missed crucial stages of learning, especially in subjects like reading and math. This has led to delays in developing fundamental skills that are essential for future success.

• Lack of social interaction: In addition to academic delays, students also missed out on critical social interactions and developmental milestones. Younger students may still be struggling to adjust to the structure of in-person learning.

• Overwhelmed teachers: Teachers are facing the dual challenge of addressing learning gaps while managing large class sizes and adapting to new expectations. This can make it difficult for them to give individualized attention to each student.

How Best Brains Can Help

At Best Brains Learning Center in Mechanicsburg, PA, we specialize in helping students overcome academic delays through personalized, small-group instruction. Our focus is on both math and English, with programs designed to address gaps while building strong foundational skills. Here’s how we can help your child recover from COVID-related learning delays:

1. Customized Learning Plans
   Every student at Best Brains begins with an assessment that helps us identify exactly where they are in their learning journey. Based on this, we create personalized lesson plans that target their specific needs, whether they need to catch up or stay ahead of their grade level.

2. Focused Attention in Small Groups
   We keep our class sizes small, allowing our instructors to provide more focused, individualized attention. This is crucial for students who may have missed out on critical concepts during remote learning. Small-group settings create an environment where students feel supported and confident to ask questions and work through challenges.

3. Weekly Progress Tracking
   Unlike traditional classrooms, where it's difficult to track each student's growth on a regular basis, Best Brains provides weekly updates on your child's progress. This ongoing feedback allows us to adjust lesson plans as needed, ensuring your child is consistently moving forward.

4. Building Confidence Along with Skills
   Our programs not only focus on academic growth but also on building confidence. Many students who experienced learning delays may feel discouraged or anxious about their progress. At Best Brains, we help them rebuild confidence by mastering small, manageable steps that lead to success in their broader educational goals.

5. A Flexible Schedule
   We understand that busy school and extracurricular schedules can make it challenging to fit in extra learning. At Best Brains, we offer flexible class times that work around your family’s schedule, so your child can get the academic help they need without feeling overwhelmed.

The Path Forward

While the effects of COVID-19 on education have been significant, it’s never too late to get your child back on track. At Best Brains, we are committed to helping students overcome these challenges and succeed academically, no matter where they are in their learning journey.

If you’re concerned about your child’s progress or looking for extra support, Best Brains Learning Center is here to help. Our experienced instructors, personalized approach, and engaging curriculum provide the tools students need to thrive.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your child bridge the gap and regain confidence in their learning!

Bibliography

1. Kuhfeld, M., & Tarasawa, B. (2020). "The COVID-19 Slide: What Summer Learning Loss Can Tell Us about the Potential Impact of School Closures on Student Academic Achievement." NWEA Research. Accessed October 23, 2024. https://www.nwea.org/research/publication/the-covid-19-slide-what-summer-learning-loss-can-tell-us-about-the-potential-impact-of-school-closures-on-student-academic-achievement/.

2. Dorn, E., Hancock, B., Sarakatsannis, J., & Viruleg, E. (2021). "COVID-19 and Education: The Lingering Effects of Unfinished Learning." McKinsey & Company. Accessed October 23, 2024. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/education/our-insights/covid-19-and-education-the-lingering-effects-of-unfinished-learning.

3. The Hechinger Report. (2022). "The Pandemic Hurt These Students the Most. Now Educators and Lawmakers Are Taking Notice." The Hechinger Report. Accessed October 23, 2024. https://hechingerreport.org/pandemic-education-lingering-effects/.

4. Kuhfeld, M., Soland, J., & Lewis, K. (2021). "Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 on Students’ Learning: The Role of Attendance and Engagement." Brookings Institution. Accessed October 23, 2024. https://www.brookings.edu/blog/brown-center-chalkboard/2021/09/02/understanding-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-students-learning-the-role-of-attendance-and-engagement/.

5. Kamenetz, A. (2020). "Remote Learning Is Leaving Children with a Lifetime of Wounds, Educators Fear." NPR. Accessed October 23, 2024. https://www.npr.org/2020/11/20/937352350/remote-learning-is-leaving-children-with-a-lifetime-of-wounds-educators-fear.