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Today we published @TheNFER's study on learning loss. A few thoughts on the results and some of the potential responses. https://eef.li/wGZIa6
The learning loss results are concerning but not surprising. Important to emphasise that these only cover the impact of the first lockdown. Particularly worrying is the attainment gap. We know that there have been discrepencies in access to education - inequality is growing.
The age group is important here. These are not high stakes exam results - but low literacy is a barrier to learning throughout school. These pupils will sit GCSEs in 2030. This is not a short term problem.
Some of the potential responses:
Repeating a Year: evidence shows that it has been harmful in the past. Maybe these circumstances are different? But how do you continue to motivate pupils that have been "held back"? Also the risk of increased class sizes. https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/evidence-summaries/teaching-learning-toolkit/repeating-a-year/
Repeating a Year: evidence shows that it has been harmful in the past. Maybe these circumstances are different? But how do you continue to motivate pupils that have been "held back"? Also the risk of increased class sizes. https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/evidence-summaries/teaching-learning-toolkit/repeating-a-year/
Summer schools: good evidence for efficacy but expensive to do well. We've always said it's not the most "cost-effective" approach, but maybe in these circumstances additional learning needs the investment. https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/evidence-summaries/teaching-learning-toolkit/summer-schools/
Extending school time: similar to summer schools. Additional learning time helps but is expensive. Needs to be clearly linked to curriculum. https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/evidence-summaries/teaching-learning-toolkit/extending-school-time/
Targeted support: one of the more effective approaches. Has had a consistently high impact supporting disadvantaged pupils across the EEF trials. https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/evidence-summaries/teaching-learning-toolkit/small-group-tuition/
Utilising Teaching Assistants effectively: A good (and cost-effective) way of providing additional support is providing training for TAs to deliver structured interventions. For example, our trial of ABRA: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and-evaluation/projects/abracadabra-abra-pilot/?utm_source=site&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=site_search&search_term=abra
Tackling learning loss will require multiple approaches over a long period of time. Schools will be best placed to understand the needs of their pupils - but this should be a national priority with sustained investment.
