There have been and continues to be disparities in educating students in this country. Since Covid-19 surfaced in March of 2020 and education shifted to virtual learning, disadvantaged communities are now lagging further behind due to limited access to laptops, lack of internet access, and students just not logging in. Additionally, teachers are having to adjust to remote learning which requires learning a new method of instructing and limited interaction with students and parents. Many teachers are parents and virtual learning presents issues for them as well, such as assisting their children with virtual learning while concurrently teaching their students. Teachers that don’t live alone may have to conduct their instructional duties in inconvenient locations within the residence in consideration of others that live in the household. Technology (computers & Internet access) are the main components needed for remote learning; however, in impoverished communities, several households can’t afford these basic items.
Parental involvement is critical to a child’s education. Children perform better when parents attend school events, show concern, and assist with ensuring completion of homework assignments as well as attending parent teacher conferences. I want to personally thank all educators for their commitment to our children. Being an educator is very challenging. Having to deal with a myriad of different personalities and behaviors from students and some parents can be quite extenuating. How do we close this gap in the educational system? We must demand better from our elected officials as it relates to education in impoverished communities. We must find ways to hold them accountable and mobilize as a community to address the many inequities that plague our schools. Parents must fully engage in their child’s education and stop expecting teachers to be both teachers and parents.
We all know that some parents are minimally involved in their child’s education. They don’t attend school events and they’re not concerned with their child’s progress. They haven’t spoken with their child’s teacher or returned a phone call. This behavior is harmful to children’s development. Children deserve better. Covid-19 has revealed more clearly the disparities in the education system in this country. Do your part to be an agent of change. Give us a thumbs-up, a like, a share, and please subscribe.
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Marvin Dixon/Founder
VMG Review 