Beyond COVID-19: assessment of learning loss on human capital

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on K-12 education using County level data. Design/methodology/approach The authors use County-level data and charts to look at enrollment, performance in different grade levels, poverty measures, access to internet, etc., to shed light on educational losses after the pandemic. Findings In remote education after the pandemic, access to the internet has emerged as the foundational element of educational equity. While declines in academic engagement during remote schooling affected many schools, the potential for learning loss was significantly higher in lower-income communities. A thorough examination of end-of-grade level assessment data revealed a concerning trend of declining Math and Language Arts performance post-pandemic. Research limitations/implications One of the major limitations that the authors have faced in this research is that the authors did not have access to the individual/household level data regarding the high-speed internet connection, household income, poverty level and other relevant socio-economic variables. That made it impossible to control for variables of interest, and hence a distinction between correlation and causation was not possible. Practical implications Learning loss implications can be potentially long-term and complex. Therefore, targeted and intentional interventions are essential to decrease the disparity gaps, increase resources and raise learning levels to exceed prepandemic outcomes. Such interventions can impact skill development and the potential for future economic success, both individually and collectively. Social implications The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the digital disparities intensifying learning loss in Clayton County, Georgia. Effective strategies must prioritize equitable access to internet resources and technology, particularly for students in high-poverty areas. By bridging these gaps, schools and communities can reduce the potential for long-term consequences of pandemic-induced learning loss and create pathways for a more equitable future in education. Originality/value The main idea of this paper is to compare and contrast the learning losses in K-12 education after the COVID-19 pandemic within neighboring counties and see if the digital divide and/or poverty had any impact on the extent of those learning losses.