how accurate was “the newly-emerging student elite” thesis?

“It is either a fretful or intriguing thought, the newly-emerging student elite. Or, perhaps it is a signal for optimism. No matter, because it is happening before our very eyes.”

This was the opening paragraph of my prediction two months plus into the pandemic shutdown in the spring of 2020.

“From my view, SARS Co-V-2, the novel coronavirus, and its shutdown of public schools has dug deeply into the foundation of academe.

“I am looking at the days since mid-March 2020 when high school students, among others, started working from home via tele-learning.

“A heavy burden was placed on these students, out of earshot from their parents and guardians, customarily working at desks in their bedrooms or in the family dining room.

“For the majority of students, virtual platform learning was new. Some students, good at technology, ran with it. Others made use of any guidance available, and some students delayed, for whatever reasons.

“It is the students who did not login at all, or rarely, who reveal the inevitable cracks in the mainstream educational system.

“Given hindsight, it is easy to understand, and accept, that students, not especially academically inclined, saw the March 12 pivot and the subsequent shutdown of public schools as a short-lived and temporary relief of the day-to-day schedule.

“Maybe it was even viewed as a 15-day jump on Spring break, or a needed time for a change in routine following the first semester mid-term exams, national language exam competitions, and the end of winter sports.

“And a period of relaxation for mind-and-body before things really heated up in fourth quarter with spring season sports, capstone projects, culminating concerts, plays, art shows, and final exams.

“For whatever reasons, all understandable, there was a drop in student participation.

“On the other side of the mid-March pivot were students who started logging in as soon as possible, marshalling all of their resources, lining up a study area at home appropriate for sharing screens, with textbooks and assignments in array, and BOOM, they were set.

“Day-by-day, as teachers developed their own skills in virtual teaching and learning, it was a shoe-in for the students who had worked hard and smart.

“These students combined asynchronous and virtual live access, downloads of study guides and assignments, work in collaboration using Google docs or the formation of pods, and shared insights for learning and improvements.

“At some point, after numerous discussions, debate, and investigations, school administrators and staff gingerly attempted to determine a grading policy during this unprecedented time in recent history.

“The determination to give all students a grade of ‘P’ for ‘Passing’ in all courses was done in error and is bad planning. The decision reveals a systemic flaw with eventual consequences.”

I say this now because that policy undermined the diligent work of students who managed to fare well through the shutdown.

Then in 2020, “With science and medical experts working 24-7 and minute-by-minute media reporting, adults and students attempted to absorb and comprehend the possibilities and uncertainty associated with COVID-19.

“One can certainly understand, and sympathize, with the kids who did not stay onboard with their school lessons and assignments.

“Nevertheless, we now realize that a newly-emerging student elite is a reality. At all schools, there are competent students who are as COVID-prepared as one could be in their coursework, understanding of concepts, skills development, and legitimate work on assignments.

“We need these elite students, not only as future leaders but because it is highly likely that they are also very conscientious and committed to community service, teamwork, and helping others.”

Now, regarding current college freshman whose ninth grade year in high school was interrupted, sophomore year was virtual or hybrid, junior year was “recovery,” and senior year gained some semblance of normalcy, it is clear that a new student elite did result from the pandemic shutdown.

Yes, there are gaps in student learning, perhaps as there always have been pre- pandemic.

Nevertheless, there are indeed in the college graduation Class of 2027 students who maintain an impressive work ethic, rigor in their studies, and, most notably, a strength of character and determination in the face of challenges.

Mary Brown who started her teaching career at Harriton High School in 1974 and is currently an adjunct professor of Latin at Saint Joseph’s University and President of the Board of Directors of The Children’s School at Saint John’s, holds a PA Department of Education Administrative Certificate.