School Priorities in the COVID-19 Pandemic

• In Event: Exploring School Culture and Teacher Well-Being in Uncertain Times

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had major consequences for the public education sector. With limited capacity to perform all of their traditional functions, schools have had to prioritize how they can best serve students. In this study, I use nationally representative survey data to examine whether schools prioritized academics and instruction, social and emotional well-being, physical health, or behavior of students while school buildings were closed during the pandemic, and their intentions when school buildings reopened. Results showed that during school building closures, schools prioritized academics and instruction, but upon reopening, school leaders intended to prioritize physical health and social and emotional well-being, implying the need for additional resources, training, and development of strategies for educating the whole child post-pandemic.

Authors

• Adam Kho, University of Southern California

• Lam D. Pham, North Carolina State University