As schools return to in-person learning, many educators are preparing to address the “COVID learning gap.” Due to over a year of at-home or alternative learning, studies have found that students may be up to three months behind in math. Moreover, this gap is even wider for many students of color facing the effects of the pandemic, which only amplify forms of systemic racism.

Overcoming the gap will take a variety of partnerships, policies, and changes across sectors. In classrooms, the work can continue through the creative and intentional efforts of educators. Many Possip team members have spent time in schools as teachers, volunteers, and school administrators. To help you think through ways to assist your students’ academic recovery, Amanda Richards, our Reporting Team Lead, has compiled tips and resources for teachers planning their 2021-2022 curriculum.

Quick Tips for Knowing your Curriculum:

1. Firstly, know the curriculum and how to prioritize it. Questions you might want to ask yourself:
   1. What is prerequisite knowledge? 
   2. Can I combine lessons? 
   3. What lessons can I condense?
2. Secondly, plan and collaborate with other teachers and educators. Teachers are content experts. By collaborating, no one has to reinvent the wheel. Give yourself planning time together to talk about the best path forward. 
3. Thirdly, focus on reading fluency. This is especially important for lower grades. Success in all subjects is deeply connected to reading. Therefore, focus on fluency/reading comprehension will be key during this time.
   1. For instance, research shows dysfluency causes as much as 40% of the variance in students who pass tests versus those who fail. And this is true for every testing grade!

For resources for academic recovery, click the links below:

• Learning Acceleration for All: Planning for the Next Three to Five Year (TNTP)
• Accelerating Student Learning with High-Dosage Tutoring (EdResearch for Recovery)
• 5 Qualities of Effective In-School Tutoring Programs (K-12 Dive)
• Supporting Unfinished Learning in Math (Instruction Partners)
• Supporting Unfinished Learning in Science (Instruction Partners)
• Accelerating Learning As We Build Back Better (Learning Policy Institute)
• Fluency for Virtual Learners and Fluency Practice (Achieve the Core).

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Do you have a resource or strategy for planning for academic recovery? Let us know! Check back on our blog in the coming weeks for more helpful tips on supporting students in their academic recovery.