Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, schooling and education has been one of the top concerns for families and communities. Facing daunting economic challenges and with the utmost concern for child development and public health, school districts and policymakers must now make unprecedented decisions: from building new policies and procedures to enable in-person learning, training teachers to work online, and ensuring adequate broadband internet access to make e-learning possible.
Parents, teachers, and community members are actively sharing their concerns and questions about school policies online. For decision makers, this presents an enormous challenge: administrators need to both stay on top of issues and questions raised, while making sure that initiatives and health guidelines are properly communicated to residents.
In the months leading up to the beginning of the school year, Zencity has observed an uptick in resident discourse across all of our 150+ partner cities and counties. We analyzed the data and provided local decision makers with insights to help them understand the primary concerns that residents are voicing online. Here’s what we’re seeing below.
#1: Wearing Masks in Class
#2: Working Parent Predicament
#3: Alternative Options and Hybrid Solutions
#4: Internet Access and the Digital Divide
Image Source: digitalbridgek12.org
With so many differing opinions and concerns across the US, it’s more critical than ever to understand what your residents think. As the discussion continues to evolve, and new facts come to light regarding the virus, the ability to keep up with resident discourse is crucial. Local governments can use this information as a guiding force as they continue to work with school boards and parents towards the best solution for their children’s education and health. Learn how you can analyze and understand resident sentiment in your jurisdiction with the power of AI, here.