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A Pivotal Moment: Ensuring an Equitable COVID-19 Recovery in Massachusetts Schools
A report by Massachusetts Advocates for Children in collaboration with the Advisory Group for an Equitable Recovery providing recommendations regarding some of the most effective practices, strategies, and approaches for ensuring equity and closing gaps in educational opportunity during the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery period:
Overview of Recommendations:
1
Dramatic Expansion of Mental Health Services, Social Emotional Learning, and Behavioral Supports to Address Significant Increases in Mental Health Needs of Students
At this juncture, addressing the mental health, social, and emotional needs of students is no longer merely beneficial; it is necessary.
2
Centering Student and Family Partnership to Promote an Equitable Recovery
Supporting robust parent engagement through SEPACs and ELPACs is particularly important in the wake of the pandemic as a mechanism to incorporate parent input, concerns, and priorities into district recovery efforts.
3
Administrative Restructuring to Address Heightened Needs of Students Disproportionately Impacted by the Pandemic
The increased needs and inequities created by the pandemic have heightened the need for enhanced communication and planning among teams of educators.
4
Rethinking Professional Development to Effectuate Urgently Needed Change in Classroom Practices
An equitable and effective recovery calls for meaningful changes in practice, which will require moving beyond the typical presentation-style format of professional development outside of the classroom.
5
Community Partnership to Bolster Holistic Services and Supports to Promote Equity
Student needs can be addressed more comprehensively with strong communication and coordination between community-based providers and school personnel.
6
Hiring and Personnel Priorities to Promote Equity During the Recovery
Hiring teachers and staff who reflect the racial, ethnic, linguistic, and disability diversity of the student population is an essential step toward ensuring equity and better educational outcomes for all students.
7
Ensuring Data and Accountability Systems Align with Equitable Recovery Goals
Efforts toward educational equity will only be effective to the extent that these efforts are aligned with data collection, analysis, and publication.
8
Grounding All Pandemic Recovery Efforts in the Long-Term Transformation of School Cultures That Embody Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Successful implementation of the other recommendations included in this report will require development of a broader school culture which is supportive, safe, equitable, and inclusive.
Watch Our Previous Chats & Charlas
MAC’s free monthly chats bring special education attorneys and other experts straight to you to break down the latest guidances from the state Department of Education and answer your questions in real time. Our chats have covered special education compensatory services, requirements for schools reopening, and tips for advocating for your child’s needs at school.
