US elementary school survey shows ‘critical gaps’ for in-person learning

Nearly half of U.S. elementary schools were open for full-time classroom learning as of last month, but the share of students with inperson instruction has varied greatly by region and by race, with most nonwhite students taught entirely online, according to a Biden administration survey.

For the White House, the results of the national survey released Wednesday mark the starting line for President Joe Biden’s pledge to have most K-8 schools open full time in his first 100 days in office. But they also show that he never had far to go to meet that goal.

The results

Among schools that enroll fourth graders, 47% offered full-time classroom learning in February, while for schools that teach eighth-graders, the figure was 46%. The results suggested, however, that at least some students weren’t opting in.

In total, about 76% of elementary and middle schools were open for inperson or hybrid learning, while 24% offered remote learning only, according to the survey. The percentage of students spending at least some time in the classroom has probably increased since February, when coronavirus rates were just coming down from a national surge.

Plans to distribute aid

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said the findings, while encouraging, also showed “critical gaps” for in-person learning, especially for students of color.

The Education Department released the survey data the same day it announced it was distributing $81 billion in school assistance from the $1.9 trillion virus relief bill. In an interview, Cardona said the money will allow schools to start hiring additional social workers and counselors and ensure ventilation systems are safe.

“It gives districts the ability to start planning long term,” Cardona said. “This is not about turning the lights on only — it’s about ensuring that you can create systems that are ready to meet the needs of students, socially and emotionally.”

Still, Cardona cautioned that the return to normalcy will take time. He said schools must practice social distancing and take other measures to prevent the virus from spreading. He offered no timeline for a full reopening of high schools, saying he is “fully focused” on students in pre-K-8.

The department’s survey results establish a baseline data set that the administration plans to update each month to show how many U.S. schools are teaching inperson, online or through a combination. The government did not previously collect such information.

The findings are based on a survey of 3,500 public schools whose student bodies include fourth graders, along with 3,500 schools that serve eighth graders. The survey collected data on schools’ teaching methods as of February, along with a range of other questions about teaching in January.