Salem Schools To Address Coronavirus Learning Gaps

SALEM, MA — Salem Public Schools is looking to identify and mitigate learning gaps that it said were expected after 18 months of remote, hybrid and otherwise disjointed schedules amid the coronavirus crisis.

Superintendent Steve Zrike said in a letter to families on Friday that teachers and district leaders have been planning since the spring to address gaps that either developed or were exacerbated during the pandemic.

"We know that it has been challenging for students to learn complex concepts and material virtually during the last two abbreviated school years," Zrike said. "Now that all our students are back full-time for daily in-person learning, we are prepared to respond in a systematic and thoughtful way to address identified gaps, while at the same time taking great care not to overwhelm them."

The district is conducting baseline assessments for each student early in the year to help identify where any learning gaps exist. Zrike said the district is "committed to teaching grade-appropriate standards while at the same time strengthening foundational concepts and skills that are necessary to access the current content."

He said teachers are being supported in efforts to accelerate present learning while narrowing any learning gaps through small class sizes and the hiring of tutors and university fellows to work help facilitate small group discussions.

Individual student learning will be evaluated throughout the year and the district plans to make adjustments as necessary "to provide targeted and nuanced support."

"We are confident that with this intentionality and strategic use of additional resources, our students will grow and thrive academically this year," Zrike said.

Parents or guardians with questions about the potential learning gaps are asked to contact the Department of Teaching and Learning at 978-740-1214.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)