In partnership with researchers around the country, CRPE conducted 22 case studies of community-based pandemic learning communities to learn more about the experiences of those who participated.
This paper synthesizes lessons from seven initiatives that were led by community leaders of color to assess what they may cumulatively teach us about advancing racial justice in K–12 educational spaces. We found:
- COVID–19 created a window of opportunity for leadership and innovation in communities of color.
- Leaders of color drew on similar practices when designing the programs, including hiring staff of color, avoiding punitive discipline practices, adopting culturally relevant pedagogy, and supporting student and family well-being.
- Leaders saw programs as a way to put advocacy proposals into action.
- Parents reported high levels of satisfaction with the programming.
- Funding, expertise, and school reopenings challenge the future of these programs.
