Date of Award
12-2024
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School
Education
Committee Chair
Dr. Thomas Lipscomb
Committee Chair School
Education
Committee Member 2
Dr. Kyna Shelley
Committee Member 2 School
Education
Committee Member 3
Dr. David E. Lee
Committee Member 3 School
Education
Committee Member 4
Dr. Noal Cochran
Abstract
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.
Copyright
Candice Beasley, 2024
Recommended Citation
Beasley, Candice, "K-12 Education and the COVID-19 Pandemic" (2024). Dissertations. 2315.
https://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations/2315
Included in
Educational Methods Commons, Junior High, Intermediate, Middle School Education and Teaching Commons, Online and Distance Education Commons, Other Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons