The strong respect, appreciation and awe for Cobb County teachers is something one picks up on immediately when speaking with Frank Fabregas, who with wife Montse, has owned the East Cobb location of Huntington Learning Center for over six years. He cannot say enough about the amazing job our educators have done during the most difficult scenario a teacher could fathom—navigating the classroom of Covid-19. “Virtual learning during the beginning of the pandemic was tough enough and I am so proud of how our teachers rose to the challenge. They really are heroes. But now, it is even harder. Teachers need to juggle managing an online classroom simultaneously with a classroom full of students. It’s hard to imagine. They have really risen to the occasion with the quality of education and flexibility they have demonstrated,” said Fabregas. “Each teacher is truly a “Super Hero” in our eyes.”
In spite of brilliant teachers ,the pandemic has nevertheless created a significant learning loss. This is a universal phenomenon—regardless of state, city or school district, virtual learning is simply not as effective as an interactive classroom. Huntington Learning Center never fully closed when the world moved to “shelter in place”, initially providing tutoring online, and resumed in-person in April 2020. They have seen parents’ fears come to fruition: regardless of quality teaching, virtual school is less than optimal, and students have lost out on learning.
Fabregas recognizes the age groups hit hardest with the ramifications of Covid are the youngest, particularly first graders. Virtual learning during the year of establishing those basic skills to read, the most fundamental skill needed for all future academic success, took its toll Second grade is a turning point for children academically. Learning to read in first grade positions them for future learning success sand importantly, builds confidence, motivation and an enthusiasm to attend school.
Those students who may have missed all or even a few important elements crucial to reading are at-risk for falling even further beyond. This summer is the perfect time to catch up. Lagging behind grade level in reading will only worsen with each passing year without intervention. Reading is an asset needed not only for school success, but for success in life.
Middle schoolers are also at great risk. Solid reading proficiency when starting sixth grade is critical to acquiring the organizational and time management skills, note taking, critical thinking, all abilities vitally important in preparing for high school. If a student is struggling, the culprit generally can be traced back to fundamental earlier gaps. Learning is like healthcare—the key is prevention. Addressing those learning deficits when they arise prevents future roadblocks. Their end goal is to position students a year ahead in their abilities, not just catch up with the year they lost due to Covid.
The good news? Every child who has been impacted by a “Covid Learning Loss” can get back on track before next school year. The team is in place this summer to instill skills and enthusiasm for kids. “I want children to really feel like Super Heroes”, said Fabregas. “I know we can replace anxiety with excitement and confidence, making each child feel like there is nothing they cannot take on this school year.”
Huntington Learning Center is located in the East Cobb Crossing shopping center, 4381 Roswell Road, Suite 240, in Marietta/East Cobb. For more information, visit www.huntingtonhelps.com/center/east-cobb or call 770-977-3112 for an appointment.
