Ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic disparities in education have been an ongoing issue in the United States. Studies have shown that students in the African-American, Latino, Asian, and other minority groups from low-income families and poor school districts commonly underperform academically compared to Caucasian Americans and minorities in affluent neighborhoods. 

Millions of students face unique challenges ranging from limited access to quality course materials and advanced technologies to a social disconnect between educators and diverse support levels in the home, making it impossible to reach educational milestones. While educational organizations, school administrators, and teachers have implemented strategies to bridge the gap, the global health crisis has only exacerbated the problem. 

Distance Learning in a Pandemic

The transition to distance learning has been particularly hard on minority students. Many families are unable to afford the technological resources necessary for their children to get a quality education. Most adults within minority communities often work essential jobs, which reduces their ability to provide the attention and support their children need to learn. Not to mention, virtual classrooms weaken the teacher-student connection vital to a positive learning experience. 

Finding a Solution

As these disparities in education become more prevalent, educational organizations, school administrators, and teachers have worked around the clock to develop feasible solutions. Here are a few of the most efficient options. 

Distribution of Laptops and School Supplies

The first hurdle was supplying students with adequate technology and supplies to perform well in virtual classrooms. School districts nationwide developed a strategy to distribute laptops, tablets, and other supplies to students whose families couldn't afford them. 

Parents put in an inquiry, and school administrators schedule a time for students to safely retrieve devices to use throughout the school year. Some districts even had volunteers drop off supplies to students who could not commute to the school for pickup. 

Free Internet Service for Qualifying Households

While the issue of inadequate technology was taken care of, many households did not have a reliable internet connection. Fortunately, major communication companies like Verizon and T-Mobile stepped up to the plate. They offered free internet services for qualifying households allowing students to have uninterrupted access to course materials and other digital resources.

Interactive Learning Tools

Learning loss, lower test scores, and poor comprehension also became more prevalent during the pandemic as students struggled to keep up with monotonous and rigorous online curriculums. Anxious to keep students engaged despite current times, educators began turning to innovative technologies like those found at Curriki.org. 

This non-profit organization has free and easy-to-use tools that have made adapting to distance learning more comfortable for teachers and students. Teachers can use Curriki Studio to create interactive modules, worksheets, videos, games, and tests that enhance student engagement and comprehension. As the platform is absolutely free and easy to access, students have no problem acquiring and completing course assignments. 

Increased Support for Students and Parents

The switch to distance learning caused other issues for minority students and their families. Parents working in retail, healthcare, transportation, and other essential professions often lack the time and energy to support their child's educational experience. Not to mention, many students in low-income households struggle with other pandemic-related issues like not having enough food to eat or missing the social connection with their peers. 

As students' emotional and physical health is vital to their academic success, many people within the school district and the communities have stepped in to provide support. Schools have continued to provide qualifying students with free and reduced breakfast and lunch each day. Some have even donated free meals to families in need. 

School counselors have scheduled one-on-one meetings with students and their families to offer therapeutic support, advice, and resources to help them cope with the many changes. Teachers have arranged tutoring sessions for students having a hard time comprehending lessons. There are also reports of neighbors, religious leaders, and private organizations donating time, money, and resources to students in need. 

The coronavirus pandemic has, without a doubt, caused a unique set of challenges for school administrators, teachers, students, and their families. It has also shed light on the many disparities in education that have plagued low-income and minority groups. On the bright side, these diverse circumstances have manifested some of the most innovative solutions to bridge the gap for an improved learning experience for students nationwide.