Teachers say kids are learning remotely, despite claims from critics

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.