San Luis Obispo High School women’s basketball team during the pandemic. Photo Courtesy of junior Diana Pruett.

  Almost all of San Luis Obispo High School students were confined to their homes and required to attend online school during the height of coronavirus. Schools were unprepared for such an extreme event and students’ education were stunted while administrators rushed to put together a new schooling system.

  Test scores at all educational institutions and levels plummeted while students were on the distance learning program. Online learning posed even more challenges for students without proper learning tools or had learning difficulties.

  A recent LA Times article said that, across California, The test results are even more devastating for Black, Latino, low-income and other historically underserved students — 84% of Black students and 79% of Latino and low-income students did not meet state math standards in 2022.

  Socially students were isolated and many faced struggles with their own mental health. A study produced by the CDC revealed that forty four percent of high school students felt sad and hopeless during distance learning. Even when life returned to normal students are still feeling the effects of a worldwide pandemic.

  “I missed out on a whole basketball season in eighth grade and didn’t get to see my friends at school.” said sophomore Finley White.

  Teachers have struggled to get students back on track with their education. Along with teachers struggling, students are lacking focus and motivation in school. 

  “I don’t think I struggled as much as my study habits are just all over the place. Freshman year I was a lot more determined and now I am not as much.” said senior Brinley Ewen.

  Students that feel that they are struggling due to the pandemic are recommended to talk to their teachers or counselor about joining the study skills class or getting extra support.

Sources: www.latimes.com www.cdc.gov