| Title: |
The Pandemic Learning Project: The Challenges of Deploying Emergency Virtual Instruction during Unplanned School Closures. #2 in the Series |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Paul Beach; Melissa Steel King; Marisa Mission; Andrew J. Rotherham; Bellwether; National Center for Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Education Research (CALDER) at American Institutes for Research (AIR) |
| Source: |
Bellwether. 2025. |
| Availability: |
Bellwether. 650 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20001. Tel: 877-636-0909; Web site: https://bellwether.org/ |
| Peer Reviewed: |
N |
| Page Count: |
23 |
| Publication Date: |
2025 |
| Sponsoring Agency: |
Carnegie Corporation of New York; Joyce Foundation; Walton Family Foundation |
| Intended Audience: |
Policymakers; Administrators |
| Document Type: |
Information Analyses |
| Education Level: |
Elementary Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: |
COVID-19; Pandemics; Elementary Secondary Education; School Closing; Online Courses; Distance Education; Barriers; Access to Education; School Districts; Administrator Role; State Government; Government Role; Intervention; Program Effectiveness; Local Government; Educational Policy; Attendance; Access to Computers; Emergency Programs; Federal Aid; Grants; Access to Internet; Students with Disabilities; English Learners; Best Practices; Teacher Competencies |
| Geographic Terms: |
West Virginia; Arkansas; Kentucky |
| Laws, Policies and Program Identifiers: |
Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund |
| Abstract: |
The continued growth of online education in K-12 settings across the country has expanded students' access to coursework, learning opportunities, and academic support beyond the classroom. As part of this broader shift, emergency virtual instruction has become a common strategy that districts use to avoid losing instructional days when school buildings are forced to close for unplanned reasons. With extreme weather events on the rise and virtual learning infrastructure more established after the pandemic, emergency virtual instruction is expected to become a common alternative to making up lost instructional time in person. This report is the second in a series that aims to synthesize the best available evidence and translate it into actionable guidance and recommendations for state and district leaders. This report draws on available research to highlight the challenges posed by emergency virtual instruction related to implementation, accessibility for students, and maintaining instructional quality comparable to in-person teaching. While not exhaustive, it outlines key factors district and school leaders should consider when developing emergency virtual instruction plans. Where relevant, it also provides examples of promising practices, guidance, and other resources to support decision-making. |
| Abstractor: |
ERIC |
| Entry Date: |
2026 |
| Accession Number: |
ED677979 |
| Database: |
ERIC |