ARIZONA NEWS

Teachers say kids are learning remotely, despite claims from critics

Feb 8, 2021, 4:35 AM

(Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)...

(Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

(Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

PHOENIX – Two Valley teachers claim students are in fact learning through remote teaching, despite claims otherwise.

Tempe-based teacher Beth Lewis told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Think Tank her students have been able to overcome most of the challenges that come with distance learning.

“My students didn’t know how to multiply, divide or recognize a fraction at the beginning of this year and they are knocking it out of the park,” she claimed, adding other teachers have also seen growth.

While Scottsdale teacher and Arizona Sen. Christine Marsh agrees learning is happening, she acknowledged it’s not at the same rate as before.

“Are they learning at the same academic level that they were pre-pandemic? Probably mostly not, but I’m sure some are,” Marsh said.

Marsh explained the level of learning is impacted by the higher level of emotional turmoil that kids face amid uncertainty produced from the pandemic. She mentioned seeing that in her own children who now face higher levels of anxiety.

Marsh also takes issue with the claims students are falling behind because of remote learning.

“When people talk about falling behind, or that type of rhetoric, it’s super annoying to me because falling behind what, some artificial test?” Marsh said, adding kids around the world are facing the same issues.

Both teachers agree students are working hard to keep learning.

Lewis said students today are learning life skills like perseverance, cooperation and unity as society comes together to fight the pandemic.

Skills, Lewis claims, students remember for the rest of their lives.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Editorial members of the Austin American-Statesman's Austin NewsGuild picket along the Congress Ave...

Associated Press

Hundreds of journalists strike to demand leadership change at biggest US newspaper chain

Journalists at two dozen local newspapers across the U.S. walked off the job Monday to demand an end to painful cost-cutting measures and a change of leadership at Gannett, the country's biggest newspaper chain.

19 hours ago

(Unsplash Photo)...

KTAR.com

2 young children hospitalized in critical condition following crash in Glendale

Two young children and a total of five people were hospitalized in critical condition Monday following a multivehicle crash in Glendale.

19 hours ago

(Facebook Photo/Quantá for AZ)...

KTAR.com

Quantá Crews selected to replace Flavio Bravo in Arizona House

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors appointed Quantá Crews on Monday to replace Flavio Bravo in the Arizona House.

19 hours ago

File phot of the back of a Phoenix, Arizona, police officer. The Phoenix Police Department unveiled...

Kevin Stone

Phoenix Police Department unveils strategic plan to reduce crime

The Phoenix Police Department on Monday unveiled a strategic plan that takes a community and victim-centered approach to reducing crime.

19 hours ago

Booking photo of Raul Perez Ochoa and a file photo of a Gilbert Police Department cruise. Ochoa, an...

KTAR.com

East Valley massage therapist accused of sexual offenses

An East Valley massage therapist accused of sexual offenses was arrested last week, and police are looking for more possible victims.

19 hours ago

Stock image of a Fourth of July fireworks display. The Fabulous Phoenix 4th fireworks show and Four...

Kevin Stone

Boom, it’s back: Fabulous Phoenix 4th fireworks show returns after 3-year hiatus

The Fabulous Phoenix 4th fireworks show and festival is returning this year for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the city announced.

19 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center

5 mental health myths you didn’t know were made up

Helping individuals understand mental health diagnoses like obsessive compulsive spectrum disorder or generalized anxiety disorder isn’t always an easy undertaking. After all, our society tends to spread misconceptions about mental health like wildfire. This is why being mindful about how we talk about mental health is so important. We can either perpetuate misinformation about already […]

(Photo: OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center)...

OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center

Here’s what you need to know about OCD and where to find help

It's fair to say that most people know what obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders generally are, but there's a lot more information than meets the eye about a mental health diagnosis that affects about one in every 100 adults in the United States.

(Photo by Michael Matthey/picture alliance via Getty Images)...

Cox Communications

Valley Boys & Girls Club uses esports to help kids make healthy choices

KTAR’s Community Spotlight focuses on the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley and the work to incorporate esports into children's lives.

Teachers say kids are learning remotely, despite claims from critics