School closures have widened the already existing opportunity gap in education. If we do not address these inequities full-on, there will be lifelong consequences for children who struggle.
Forecasts based on historical data from summer loss and previous school closures during natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina suggest that students will return to school this fall at about 65% of where they would have been. That is the average impact – it will not be felt equally. Students who were already struggling will fall further behind as students who were performing near the top will likely accelerate their learning.
The good news is that as a community, we can change this.
Join us for the Lee Pesky Learning Center and The Community Library’s three-part series about learning challenges, the opportunity gap and how we can use evidence-based practices and partnerships to meet the needs of all students.
During the first session, Dr. Evelyn Johnson, CEO of Lee Pesky Learning Center, and moderator Dr. Jenny Emery Davidson, Executive Director of The Community Library, will explain the widening opportunity gap for students with learning challenges, and how short-term set-backs can result in a lifetime of lost potential for students from underserved populations.
This first session of the three-part series will be streamed on Crowdcast at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14. The presentation includes a moderated Q&A.
Dr. Evelyn Johnson is the CEO of the Lee Pesky Learning Center and professor in the Early and Special Education Department at Boise State University’s College of Education. Lee Pesky Learning Center is a non-profit, based in Boise and in Hailey, that works with students, families, schools and communities to understand and overcome obstacles to learning.
Dr. Jenny Emery Davidson is the executive director of The Community Library, a privately funded public library in Ketchum, Idaho. The Library serves the Wood River Valley through its library services, contemporary programming, and museum resources, and works to bring information, ideas, and individuals together to enhance the cultural life of the community.
