Schools closures may cause ‘learning gaps’

Schools in half of Australian both primary and secondary students are at risk of falling behind in their education if schools remain shut for too long, a government due to the coronavirus pandemic, commissioned report says.

Learning from home could disadvantage vulnerable students if nothing is done to support them, findings by the Rapid Response Information Forum chaired by chief scientist Alan Finkel say.

“If this is not addressed promptly and directly, learning gaps can emerge and widen,” contributing author and UNSW professor Andrew Martin said.

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“It is vital that students who are at academic risk receive the necessary instructional and other supports required for them to successfully engage in remote or blended learning.”