The Educational Community's Response to COVID-19: Decision Making, Communication, and Equity Considerations

• In Event: Navigating COVID-19 as Educational Leaders

Abstract

Widespread school closures resulting from COVID-19 was an unpredictable, unexpected, and unprecedented crisis event that substantially impacted school districts and families. The required implementation of a distance learning plan created significant barriers and challenges for schools and families, especially when considering equity and access to internet and technology for teachers and students. This qualitative case study explores perceptions of school superintendents, school principals (elementary and secondary level), teachers, and parents regarding decision-making, communication, and equity considerations. Bundy et al.’s (2017) Integrative Framework of Crises and Crisis Management will be applied to analyze the districts’ responses to internal and external perspectives regarding pre-crisis prevention and crisis management.

Authors

• Shawna Richardson, Southern Nazarene University

• Gayle Kearns-Buie, Southern Nazarene University

• Stephoni Lynn Case, Southern Nazarene University