National Education Policy Center Criticizes RAND for Overstating Results of Study of Online Learning

The National Education Policy Center regularly involves scientists to evaluate research studies, records, and also examinations. NEPC lately launched a testimonial of a RAND study that takes a look at online learning and also whether it should have government financing. The title of the RAND record is “Remote Learning is Right Here to Keep,” however the body of the record does not sustain that verdict, according to customer David R. Garcia of Arizona State College.

Garcia summarizes his evaluation:

The RAND Company lately launched a record based upon a national study of college area superintendents and also charter administration company (CMO) supervisors (or their designees) concerning their experiences browsing the COVID-19 pandemic. The study asks non-biased concerns concerning just how college areas and also charter colleges have actually replied to the pandemic and also concerning their best academic demands. Yet some concerns develop with the record’s coverage of results and also with one of its 2 suggestions. The record is oddly labelled, Remote Learning is Right Here to Keep, however that heading is remarkably in need of support by the sur- vey feedbacks. Actually, the participants shared a lot greater worries concerning 3 various other locations: (1) “attending to pupils’ Socio-Emotional Learning and also psychological wellness demands” (the location with the best demand for added sources), (2) “attending to variations in pupil possibilities to discover that arise from distinctions in additional assistances offered by family members” (one of the most expected obstacle), and also (3) poor financing (the top staffing chal- lenge). About these worries, remote learning is a small factor to consider. The record’s very first suggestion does adhere to from the participants’ demand for much more moneying to attend to injustices and also socio-emotional learning. Yet the various other suggestion, for much more moneying to sustain remote learning, does not show up to straighten with demands shared by area lead- ers. Lastly, the record incorporates 2 various kinds of regional education companies (college dis- tricts and also CMOs). Hence, while the record recommends that its crucial searching for is that “concerning 2 in 10 areas have actually currently taken on, strategy to take on, or are taking into consideration embracing online colleges as component of their area profile after completion of the COVID-19 pandemic,” it is vague just how much of this outcome is driven by CMOs instead of college areas. For these factors, visitors are urged to surpass the title and also check out much deeper to obtain a total image of the obstacles, demands, and also future of education from area leaders’ viewpoints.

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