iLearner

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.