"Examining the Pandemic's Impact on Schools: A Statistical Analysis"
The federal Education Department released data from the 2020-2021 school year, revealing that 88% of public schools operated in hybrid mode, with few students receiving a full year of in-person learning. The survey also highlighted staff shortages, with over a quarter of schools employing uncertified teachers and 24% lacking counselors. Racial disparities were evident, with Black children accounting for 31% of preschool students who received out-of-school suspensions. Additionally, there were disparities in access to advanced coursework, with high schools enrolling Black and Latino students less likely to offer calculus and computer science. The data underscores the challenges faced by schools during the pandemic and the need for continued efforts to address them.