K-12 Education and the COVID-19 Pandemic

This quantitative study aimed to explore how schoolwide closures during the COVID-19 pandemic affected student academic performance in selected Mississippi school districts and to examine the instructional strategies schools used during these closures. While there has been global research on the pros and cons of different teaching methods during and after the pandemic, specific data for Mississippi is still limited. The researcher collected publicly available data from the Mississippi Department of Education. Student performance results from the Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) for the years 2019 to 2021 were analyzed to see if academic performance changed due to the pandemic and the school closures in fourteen chosen districts. The study used district-wide test results as archival data, providing a clear look at academic outcomes before and after the closures. This quantitative analysis helped ensure objectivity in assessing performance trends. The findings from the MAAP assessments were combined with results from a survey questionnaire designed by the researcher, which was given to teachers and administrators. The survey included open-ended questions that allowed educators to share their thoughts on the strategies used during school closures and their opinions on effective virtual teaching and learning. The study found notable shifts in student performance and highlighted several key strategies that teachers felt helped maintain academic continuity during the pandemic. These strategies offer valuable insights into how Mississippi schools navigated the challenges of COVID-19 and school closures. The results could inform future legislative efforts to strengthen educational systems and ensure resilience in the face of similar unexpected events. Ultimately, the study stresses the importance of adaptable and comprehensive teaching methods to support both teachers and students in times of crisis.