Silent Students: The Stories Untold by Those Who Stay Quiet

COVID-19S Lasting Impact on Education: A Look Back with Principal carvalho

By Archyde News, In-Depth Educational Analysis

March 20, 2025

Five years ago, in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic upended American lives, and the education system was no exception. From coast to coast, schools shuttered, forcing a rapid shift to remote learning that exposed deep-seated inequalities and presented unprecedented challenges for students, teachers, and administrators alike.

Sébastien Carvalho, former principal of Paul-Verlaine College in Les mureaux, France, experienced these challenges firsthand. His story, while specific to his school, mirrors the struggles faced by educators across the United States as they navigated the crisis. His insights provide valuable lessons for preparing for future disruptions and addressing the pandemic’s lingering effects on students.

As Carvalho recalls, the initial closure of schools triggered a scramble to provide students with the tools they needed to learn from home. “After closing schools, it was very quickly necessary to give students the means to work at home,” he explains. This sentiment echoes the experiences of countless school leaders in the U.S., who grappled with issues of digital equity and access.

Across America, school districts scrambled to distribute laptops and tablets to students who lacked them. For example, in Los Angeles, the Unified School District launched a massive effort to provide devices and internet access to it’s students, but still faced significant hurdles in reaching all those in need. Similarly, in rural areas, connectivity issues posed a major barrier to effective remote learning. The digital divide, long a concern, became a chasm during the pandemic.

But access to technology was only one piece of the puzzle. Carvalho remembers fighting to secure tablets for his students, highlighting the bureaucratic hurdles that often hampered efforts to support students during the crisis. This resonates with the experiences of many U.S. educators, who felt constrained by red tape and limited resources.

Beyond logistical challenges, educators also faced the daunting task of reaching students who had become disconnected from their schools. Carvalho recalls, “The idea was to identify all the students who did not have the means to work with them. But there were always five or six students of which we had no news. With the town hall of Mureaux, we had set up a photocopy service and we met the parents, one by one, at the Lodge.” This proactive approach underscores the importance of community partnerships in supporting vulnerable students and families.

The Initial Chaos and Innovative Solutions

The early days of the pandemic were marked by uncertainty and constant change.Carvalho describes the period as “a period of stress” due to “the instructions” that kept changing, the phone calls from concerned parents, and the need for daily adjustments with teachers. This sentiment is shared by educators across the U.S., who struggled to keep up with evolving guidelines and maintain a sense of normalcy for their students.

Despite the challenges, the crisis also sparked innovation and creativity. As Carvalho notes,”We have a lot groped at first. And at the same time, there was no longer everyday conflicts to manage within the college. We had more hindsight.” This suggests that the disruption, while tough, created space for reflection and a re-evaluation of priorities.

The Delicate Return to In-Person Learning

The reopening of schools in June 2020 brought a new set of challenges. carvalho recalls, “Already, you had to have hydroalcoholic gel. Then, we had to organise a traffic system in the college while the corridors are narrow. And then we divided the courtyard with barriers, with areas reserved for each level.” These measures, while necessary, created a sterile and regimented surroundings that was a far cry from the vibrant and engaging school experiences that students were used to.

The constant vigilance required to enforce safety protocols took a toll on educators. “Between the masks that children forgot in the morning, the windows to open at the end of each course, Les Cas de Covid To declare to the academic direction, ‘stress was at its maximum’,” Carvalho admits. This underscores the immense pressure that educators faced as they balanced the need to protect students’ health with the desire to provide a meaningful learning experience.

The ever-present threat of outbreaks also disrupted learning. “At the beginning, we could return a whole class at home,” Carvalho explains. “It was then necessary to manage those who were in the college and those who were at home. There were arbitrations to do permanently.” This hybrid model of learning created logistical nightmares for teachers and further exacerbated inequalities, as some students struggled to keep up with the curriculum while learning remotely.

The Lingering Impact on Students

Perhaps the most concerning aspect of the pandemic’s impact on education is the learning loss experienced by many students. Carvalho notes that some students had trouble “to catch up” after the disruptions. “We experienced something new and it posed a lot of problems during class advice. I would say that there have been repercussions for at least two years,” he concludes.

This observation is supported by data from across the U.S., which shows that students, especially those from low-income backgrounds, have fallen behind in reading and math. The pandemic has widened existing achievement gaps and created new challenges for educators working to support students’ academic recovery.

Looking Ahead: Lessons Learned and Future Preparedness

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in the U.S.education system and highlighted the need for greater investment in technology, infrastructure, and support services for students and teachers. As schools continue to grapple with the pandemic’s lingering effects, it is crucial to learn from the experiences of educators like Sébastien Carvalho and to develop strategies for mitigating the impact of future disruptions.

Here are a few key takeaways:

• Address the digital divide: Ensure that all students have access to reliable internet and devices.
• Invest in teacher training: Provide educators with the skills and support they need to effectively teach in a remote or hybrid environment.
• Strengthen community partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations to provide students and families with the resources they need to succeed.
• Prioritize students’ mental health: Recognize the emotional toll of the pandemic and provide students with access to mental health services.
• develop flexible learning models: Prepare for future disruptions by creating learning models that can adapt to changing circumstances.

By taking these steps, the U.S. can build a more resilient and equitable education system that is better prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

© 2024 Archyde News. All rights reserved.

What are some specific initiatives that schools can implement to address the increased rates of anxiety and depression among students in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic?

COVID-19’s Lasting Impact on Education: An Interview wiht Dr. Emily carter

By Archyde News

March 21, 2025

Archyde News: Welcome, Dr. Carter. Thank you for joining us today. five years on, we’re still grappling with the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic on education. As a leading educational psychologist, what are some of the most notable challenges you’ve observed in the years following the initial school closures?

Dr. Emily Carter: thank you for having me. The pandemic created a perfect storm for the education system. We saw profound learning loss, especially in literacy and mathematics, as well as a significant increase in mental health concerns among students. The digital divide, as schools scrambled to provide remote instruction, also exacerbated existing inequalities. The challenges were multi-faceted and, in some cases, amplified pre-existing issues within the education sector.

The Digital Divide and Access to Resources

Archyde News: The shift to remote learning exposed the digital divide as a major hurdle. Can you elaborate on how this disparity impacted students, and what long-term solutions might look like?

Dr. Carter: Absolutely. Many students lacked reliable internet access and devices necessary for online learning. This meant they couldn’t participate in virtual classrooms, complete assignments, or access crucial resources. They fell behind academically. To address this, we need sustained investment in infrastructure, ensuring broadband internet and devices are accessible and affordable for all families, nonetheless of income or location. Furthermore, teacher training focused on effective remote teaching strategies is critical.

Mental Health and Student Well-being

Archyde News: mental health became a significant concern during this period. What specific mental health challenges did the pandemic create for students and how can they be supported now?

Dr. Carter: The isolation, fear, and uncertainty of the pandemic substantially impacted students’ mental health. Anxiety, depression, and social-emotional difficulties increased. Schools need to prioritize mental health services, including counseling and support groups. We must create a school climate that values and encourages seeking help and where students feel comfortable expressing their needs. Also families and community partners must work in concert to support student well-being.

Looking Ahead: Building a Resilient Future

Archyde News: Looking ahead, what preventative measures and policy changes do you believe are most crucial to build a more resilient education system, better prepared for future world-changing events?

Dr. Carter: First,we must address the digital divide and invest in equitable access to technology and resources.Second, we need to develop flexible learning models that can adapt to different situations, including hybrid or blended learning options. we must strengthen community partnerships to offer wraparound services and support, including mental health and academic interventions. These strategic investments will build a more resilient education system, more equitable for all.

The Future of Education

Archyde News: A crucial part of recovery is finding ways to adapt to the current circumstances as they evolve and change. What should be the main priorities for the next generation of educators?

Dr. carter: The next generation of educators should focus on personalized learning approaches, so the students have the access to the most engaging learning environments. They need to understand and be committed to closing achievement gaps between students. They should promote environments of continuous growth,where students are encouraged to learn and be excited about learning.They should use the prospect to incorporate technology to ensure all students are ready to learn. These types of educators will enable a successful and more robust education future.

Archyde News: thank you, Dr. Carter,for your insightful perspectives.Are there any final thoughts you’d like to share with our readers?

Dr. Carter: The pandemic has taught us valuable lessons about the importance of flexibility, resilience, and equity in education. I am hopeful that we will remember the vulnerable impacts on students and remain committed to supporting their success, inside or outside the classroom. How do you think we can best integrate the lessons learned from the pandemic into our future educational strategies? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.