Lessons Learned from COVID-19: Education Reform Professor’s Book Sheds Light on Schools

**Title: New Book by Professor Robert Maranto Examines Impact of COVID-19 on Schools**

**Introduction:**
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on schools worldwide, with institutions forced to adapt to new challenges and uncertainties. College of Education and Health Professions professor Robert Maranto, along with Auburn University associate professor David Marshall, recently edited a book titled “COVID-19 and Schools: Policy, Stakeholders, and School Choice” to analyze the effects of the pandemic on education.

**Key Findings:**
Maranto and Marshall’s book delves into several key findings regarding the impact of COVID-19 on schools. They discovered that compared to other developed countries, U.S. physical schools remained closed for longer periods. Additionally, school closures, openings, and modes of instruction varied significantly across states and school sectors. Teachers faced unprecedented challenges in adapting to constantly changing policies and demands for hybrid and online instruction.

**Insights from the Authors:**
Professor Maranto emphasized the importance of learning from the mistakes made during the pandemic. He highlighted the need for better preparation and decision-making in the face of future global health crises. The book offers valuable insights into the educational impacts of COVID-19 that are likely to shape the future of schooling for years to come.

**Conclusion:**
“COVID-19 and Schools: Policy, Stakeholders, and School Choice” provides a comprehensive analysis of the pandemic’s effects on education. By examining the experiences of teachers, students, and parents, the book offers a unique perspective on the challenges and innovations that emerged during this unprecedented time. Maranto and Marshall’s research will contribute to ongoing discussions on improving educational practices and policies in the post-pandemic era.