Introducing Covid Classroom

A new series about the pandemic and Arkansas schools

“Covid Classroom” is an ongoing series produced by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette newsrooms.

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Most parents confident in school safety from covid, but Black families less so


Parents of Black students feel less assured than their white counterparts that Arkansas schools will keep their children safe from covid-19, according to the results of a recent poll.

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Poll finds Arkansas parents appreciate schools' efforts this year


Arkansas parents are fine with the quality of online education their kids are getting this school year, but they believe in-person learning is better, according to results from a recent poll.

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Pandemic breeds need, inspiration to meet it


Dylan Patel, a straight-A student since elementary school, didn't worry about his grades when Little Rock's Parkview Magnet High School switched to online learning in mid-March.

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Pandemic harder for certain students


Zane Eaton -- like many children with autism -- thrives on routine. He struggled this spring when schools closed suddenly because of the covid-19 pandemic, eliminating all routine he knew.

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Educators get creative to address hands-on learning


Millie Peters snapped her fingers to help students' maintain their rhythm as she walked around her "A Capella Choir" class at Springdale High School.

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On a mental note: Schools see need among students


Kenneth Moore had a big idea for his rural school district -- train everyone to be a mental health counselor.

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Teachers' dual roles doubling their work


Hayden Shamel, a high school teacher in Hot Springs, routinely works through her lunch period. She takes her work home at night and on weekends to video-record lessons, grade assignments and answer emails.

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Schools, parents struggle to keep kids learning


Thousands of Arkansas students never finished the spring semester online after the coronavirus pandemic forced schools to close, and many who have logged on this fall are struggling.

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Pandemic has fewer kids getting meals at schools


In a state where many children didn't get enough to eat before the pandemic, changes to kindergarten-through-12th-grade education threaten to widen the hunger divide.

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MAKING CONNECTION: Internet access a state education test


Online education needs three primary pieces of technology to work: the device at home, its connection to the internet and the computer program that delivers lessons and homework assignments from student to teacher and vice versa. Arkansas school districts report deficits in all three areas.

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Virtual learning nothing by the book


Jackson County School District administrators and teachers gathered Aug. 20 in the auditorium of the rural school for a training session on online learning, their second of the month.

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DILEMMA, DOUBTS: Parents agonize over difficult choices— their family’s health or kids’ education


Nupur Bhattacharyya doesn't understand why schools are open in the middle of a pandemic, but she knows she can't ensure that both of her young boys can keep up with virtual learning while she works.

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Stakes high on breaking school rules this year


Take out your books. Line up for lunch. Put on your masks. Failure to follow instructions this school year could pose serious health risks.

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Arkansas school readiness


The Arkansas Department of Education surveyed the state's public school districts over the summer about their readiness to begin the school year amid the covid-19 pandemic. These are some of the answers. Some districts have made changes to their re-opening plans since the initial survey, but they may not have updated their original survey responses.

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Schools Confront a Whole New World


School's Zero Hour


America's education system has never had to deal with anything like the covid-19 pandemic. Its impact is unprecedented.

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Districts prepare knowing virus is lurking


Leery but ready


Covid-19 will accompany students, teachers and staffers as they return to Arkansas' public schools next week, health and district officials say.

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Videos




VIDEO: Virtual Education


Springdale's Virtual Innovation Academy is open to grades K-12 for the 2020-21 school year. Hear what teachers and a parent have to say about it.

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VIDEO: Schools prepare for the coming year amid the pandemic


School officials in Hope and Springdale prepare school buildings and busses for students amid the current coronavirus pandemic.

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VIDEO: Covid Classroom Conversations


Education officials from Arkansas discuss impacts of the covid-19 pandemic on schools.

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VIDEO: Superintendents share their thoughts


Two Arkansas school district superintendents talk about preparing for the 2020-21 school year.

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