There is a reckoning coming in Westmoreland County schools, and we are not prepared for it. The lack of consistent schooling over the past 18 months, combined with the rising levels of racial consciousness in our youth, will bring unprecedented challenges to the public school system.
We have a choice: Be proactive and plan or be reactive when a crisis hits.
The American Education Research Journal estimates that students lose between 17% and 34% of the previous school year’s learning during the summer. Covid’s disruption, the equivalent of four consecutive summer breaks, means that many students will be entering school in the fall with significant learning loss. We know that students who struggle academically often act out with problematic behavior and, in turn, get suspended. Suspension is the most common indicator of dropping out of school and has been definitely linked to unemployment and imprisonment later in life.
These effects are amplified for students who already suffer disproportionately from school disciplinary policies. ProPublica’s Miseducation Project reports that non-white students in Westmoreland County are suspended 3.7 times more frequently than their white peers.
What is our schools’ plan to support students who struggle to reacclimate to the school environment? How have schools prepared to address students’ concerns of racism?
Food for thought for County Commissioner Sean Kertes and company as they consider the use of the $107 million American Rescue Plan. We owe it to our young people to welcome them back to school with open arms and thoughtful plans to support their success.
Kevin Brezler
Mt. Pleasant Township