Education Policy, Business and Technology

Public school enrollment plummets statewide amid coronavirus pandemic

The Boston Globe: “I have not seen a statewide enrollment drop this big before, but on the other hand I have not seen a situation like this [pandemic] before,” said Glenn Koocher, who has served as executive director of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees for more than two decades. “This situation is unique in so many ways. I suspect there are kids who are not going to school — they are at home, they can’t log in, and are in limbo.”

Jeffrey Riley, state education commissioner, sounded alarms during the meeting about the growing plight of public school students learning from home as many experience a deepening sense of isolation and deteriorating mental health, which he fears could worsen in the winter months if districts don’t return to classrooms or find ways to connect more intentionally with their students. He said he will present recommendations to the board next month to assist.

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