Post Publication Independent Review of
"COVID-19, school closures, and child poverty: a social crisis in the making"
Table of Contents:
Post Publication Independent Review of "COVID-19, school closures, and child poverty: a social crisis in the making"
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https://www.prabhubritto.org/post-publication-independent-reviews-covid-19
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/part-xix-faint-beam-light-end-tunnel-review-covid-19-school-albert
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Post Publication Independent Review of
COVID-19, school closures, and child poverty: a social crisis in the making
Wim Van Lancker, Zachary Parolin
Open Access Published: April 07, 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(20)30084-0
Review Comments:
1. Quote " Although scientific debate is ongoing with regard to the effectiveness of school closures on virus transmission,1 the fact that schools are closed for a long period of time could have detrimental social and health consequences for children living in poverty, and are likely to exacerbate existing inequalities. " End of Quote.
The authors point out a significant concern in National / International interests, where fair chance is denied to children due to poverty, which might consequently affect National / International Growth of the future, when the Children grow into adults, for it is not possible to assess a Child's futuristic contribution to the Nation or the World, while being a Child.
2. Quote "For many students living in poverty, schools are not only a place for learning but also for eating healthily. Research shows that school lunch is associated with improvements in academic performance, whereas food insecurity (including irregular or unhealthy diets) is associated with low educational attainment and substantial risks to the physical health and mental wellbeing of children.2, 3 " End of Quote.
The authors observation speaks for itself. Suggested to be read together with https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/mar/09/charities-feed-children-if-coronavirus-shuts-uk-schools
It would be in the Nation's interest to ensure that Children are provided nourishing food.
3. Quote "research suggests that non-school factors are a primary source of inequalities in educational outcomes. The gap in mathematical and literacy skills between children from lower and higher socioeconomic backgrounds often widens during school holiday periods.5 " End Quote.
Children from lower socio economic backgrounds may not have the privileges and facilities that those from higher socio economic backgrounds have. Consequently, some steps may have to be taken in the National interest to narrow the inequalities in educational outcomes through channels that are accessible by all children irrespective of differences in socio economic backgrounds.
4. Quote "Beyond the educational challenges, however, low-income families face an additional threat: the ongoing pandemic is expected to lead to a severe economic recession. Previous recessions have exacerbated levels of child poverty with long-lasting consequences for children's health, wellbeing, and learning outcomes.10" End of Quote.
The authors are pointing out futuristic negative outcomes in National interests.
5. Quote "Policy makers, school administrators, and other local officials thus face two challenges. First, the immediate nutrition and learning needs of poor students must continue to be addressed." End of Quote.
Quote "Second, local and national legislators must prepare for the considerable challenges that await when the pandemic subsides."
It may best in the Nation's interest to set up a National Level Task Force to address this.
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