The Learner's Portal
The pandemic has disturbed all sectors of society and revealed its fault
lines—especially in our education systems. The reaction to the crisis has
generated some impressive responses on the part of individuals and
small groups as educators have stepped up to serve their communities. In
some cases, public and private partnerships have filled the gaps. Some
systems have been able to rapidly deliver remote learning experiences,
but most have struggled with meeting the needs of all. Equity, access
and capacity left wanting. Prior to the pandemic, many education
systems were stalled, the pandemic exposed the case that fundamental
changes are needed.
Through this disruption, there has been recognition that schools play a
vital role beyond learning. Their custodial and community roles are
central to a healthy society. As we grapple with the issues of reopening
schools in this uncertain time, we must seize the opportunity to reflect
on what has been learned, and what matters most.
The challenges highlighted during the disruption should not come as a
surprise. Over the last decade, student engagement has plummeted.
Students’ sense of hope has declined. Almost one in every five students
does not reach a basic minimum level of skills to function in today’s
society. Moreover, many school systems have not maintained pace with
technological advances; schools have not provided widespread access to
digital tools. When the pandemic hit, 1 in 5 students did not have access
to the internet or a device to support them in lockdown. This disruption
revealed systems that were seriously unprepared to support all learners.
To put it plainly: it’s time to situate education as an instrument of
individual and societal good.