In Los Angeles, a lawsuit victory compels California to allocate $2 billion for the recovery of students disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The legal action, led by parents, students, and community groups, including one identified as Kelly R, highlighted the challenges faced by underserved students, particularly those from low-income Black and Latino backgrounds.
The lawsuit argued that California failed to ensure that over $190 billion in federal funds, granted to public school districts for pandemic recovery between March 2020 and March 2021, were directed toward students who needed it the most.
As part of the $2 billion settlement, California has committed to addressing educational losses and mental health impacts by implementing measures such as extended school days, tutors, and mental health professionals.
The state legislature is yet to enact the settlement into law, but the provisions emphasize the importance of targeted support for students most affected by the pandemic. The implementation process will be closely monitored by the state, with provisions allowing parents to file complaints at any time.
The legal victory is seen as a crucial step in addressing the educational disparities exacerbated by the pandemic. Approximately 10,000 public schools were closed in California, impacting around 6 million students.
The lawsuit shed light on issues such as a lack of computer equipment, broken devices, and teachers not adequately trained for remote learning. The average American public school student in grades 3 through 8 lost half a grade level in math achievement during the pandemic, according to researchers.
This legal settlement signifies a commitment to mitigating the impact of the pandemic on education, particularly for marginalized communities. It underscores the urgency of addressing historic inequities and serves as a model for other states to prioritize targeted support for students who have faced the most significant challenges during these challenging times.
