Teachers Identify Family Support as Key to Closing Learning Gaps
Teachers Urge for Family Support to Improve Academic Performance
According to a recent survey conducted by Study.com, educators indicate that enhanced family support for prioritizing schoolwork is essential in closing academic learning gaps among students. About 46% of the respondents identified a lack of parent or family prioritization of academics as the leading cause of these gaps. Interestingly, 87% of educators believe this area should receive additional support to effectively tackle learning losses.
Understanding Academic Gaps
The significance of family engagement in education cannot be overstated. The top other causes leading to learning gaps include mental health issues and social-emotional challenges faced by students (38%), along with a lack of homework completion or studying (35%). Conversely, a notable 71% of teachers expressed confidence in their ability to assist students in catching up academically.
Role of Higher-Performing Students
Analysis of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores indicates a deficiency in progress regarding reading and math achievement, which has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Surprisingly, even among students who perform well, those at grade level are producing improved test results, while many struggling students continue to fall further behind.
Systemic Disparities
The NAEP report highlights that over two-thirds of lower-performing students come from historically disadvantaged populations. These include 40% who are Hispanic and 25% who are English language learners. Dana Bryson, Senior Vice President of Social Impact at Study.com, stresses the need for effective educator, student, and family support to address these growing disparities.
Support Approaches
The survey highlights several key approaches that teachers believe can effectively bridge the learning gaps:
- Increased family support to prioritize academics (87%)
- Smaller class sizes (80%)
- Mental health resources for students (76%)
- High-quality instructional resources (76%)
- Expanded after-school or summer learning programs (68%)
Impact of Technology in Education
Incorporating technology in education is another avenue through which teachers can address learning loss. Approximately 41% of teachers utilize technology-based tools several times a week, with 25% using them daily. An impressive 68% of teachers find technology helpful in closing these learning gaps, particularly adaptive learning platforms and gamified applications.
Behavior and Environmental Factors
Behavioral issues in classrooms remain a pressing challenge. A staggering 49% of educators believe that reducing these issues would significantly assist students in academic recovery. Teachers report losing considerable hours each week due to behavioral distractions, affecting overall learning environments.
Survey Methodology
The survey, which focused on 'Learning Loss,' was conducted online recently and involved 700 elementary and middle school teachers across the country. The demographic diversity included Generation Z (10%), Millennials (41%), Generation X (33%), and Baby Boomers (15%).
This vital insight showcases the nuanced factors contributing to academic performance gaps, emphasizing the importance of family engagement and addressing systemic disparities in education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary finding of the Study.com survey?
The survey revealed that 46% of teachers believe a lack of parent support for academics is a primary cause of learning gaps.
How do teachers feel about their ability to help students catch up?
Seventy-one percent of teachers expressed confidence in their ability to support students academically.
What are some factors contributing to learning gaps identified by teachers?
Mental health issues, a lack of homework completion, and insufficient family support were highlighted as significant factors.
How important is technology in addressing learning gaps?
Technology-based tools are considered effective, with 68% of teachers affirming their role in closing learning gaps.
What demographic was included in the survey?
The survey included 700 teachers, with diverse age groups and ethnic backgrounds contributing to the findings.
About The Author
Contact Caleb Price privately here. Or send an email with ATTN: Caleb Price as the subject to contact@investorshangout.com.
About Investors Hangout
Investors Hangout is a leading online stock forum for financial discussion and learning, offering a wide range of free tools and resources. It draws in traders of all levels, who exchange market knowledge, investigate trading tactics, and keep an eye on industry developments in real time. Featuring financial articles, stock message boards, quotes, charts, company profiles, and live news updates. Through cooperative learning and a wealth of informational resources, it helps users from novices creating their first portfolios to experts honing their techniques. Join Investors Hangout today: https://investorshangout.com/
The content of this article is based on factual, publicly available information and does not represent legal, financial, or investment advice. Investors Hangout does not offer financial advice, and the author is not a licensed financial advisor. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial or investment decisions based on this article. This article should not be considered advice to purchase, sell, or hold any securities or other investments. If any of the material provided here is inaccurate, please contact us for corrections.
