Event Summary

In the 18-months since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers affiliated with Boston University’s Wheelock Educational Policy Center have been working to provide perspective on the implications and opportunities caused by this unprecedented disruption to our educational systems. Now, as we enter the 2021-22 academic year, we’re looking ahead and want to engage in a proactive discussion about how data and research can keep pace with the efforts to build back better. Join the Wheelock Educational Policy Center and our collaborators and education leaders from across the country for a discussion about the insights we’ve collected thus far, and more importantly, the ones we’ll need moving forward to disrupt persistent inequities experienced by our kids.  

Event Recordings

Miss a portion of the event? Catch up on all of the conversations by visiting our YouTube page or use any of the links below to watch one specifically.

Opening Session & Keynote: Featured presentation by Heather Krause, Data Scientist & Founder of We All Count, sharing essential advice on ways to ensure that equity is truly centered throughout every aspect of the research endeavor.

Teacher-Focused Breakout: Research highlighting changes in the teacher workforce and the ways teacher used their time in the early days of the pandemic. Discussion with The Teacher Collaborative’s CEO, Salem Public Schools’ Superintendent, Colorado’s Commissioner of Education and the Director of the Project on the Next Generation of Teachers.

Student-Centered Breakout: Research highlighting patterns in student enrollment and bullying in the context of COVID-19 closures. Discussion with Vice President of EdVestors, Kentucky’s Commissioner of Education, the President of the National Parents Union and Boston’s Chief Equity Officer.

Closing Session:  Big picture discussion with Massachusetts Secretary of Education, Founder & CEO of Latinos for Education, the 2020 MA Teacher of the Year and a leader with the state superintendents’ association, moderated by BU Wheelock’s dean.

Research Shared During the Event

Featured research included:

• COVID-19 and the Composition of the Massachusetts Teacher Workforce presented by Dr. Olivia Chi
• Teacher Time Use and Affect during the pandemic, presented by Dr. Nathan Jones
• How the pandemic affected choices about school enrollment, presented by Dr. Tareena Musaddiq & Dr. Andrew Bacher Hicks
• Changes in bullying during the pandemic, presented by Dr. Jennifer Grief-Green & Dr. Joshua Goodman 

The Wheelock Educational Policy Center (WEPC) conducts and disseminates rigorous, policy-relevant research in partnership with local, state, and federal policymakers and stakeholders to improve educational opportunities and holistic outcomes for traditionally marginalized students.