Despite strides in distance learning ND students fall behind

Investments in technology…longer school days…and extended school years could all be on the table as education officials search for solutions to learning loss. North Dakota Superintendent Kirsten Baesler says a drop-off in learning was anticipated due to the pandemic and the switch to distance learning. Baesler says test comparison with last fall and this fall illustrate how serious the situation is. “Roughly 28% of our students that were performing on grade level last fall are below grade level this fall in reading…writing…and mathematics.”

Baesler told a House committee this week that face-to-face instruction is critical moving forward. The state’s top teacher says they also need to search for ways to accelerate learning.

Committee members asked Baesler to develop recommendations for closing the learning gap.

Representative Bob Martinson told Baesler – quote- “If you need legislatively for us to take some heat for whatever you’re going to propose – bring it to us.”