Supporting School Districts in Addressing Learning Loss
Despite extensive efforts to adapt to remote and hybrid learning formats amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, academic progress during the 2022—23 year fell short of pre-pandemic trends. Significant achievement gaps persist, with the average student requiring approximately 4.1 additional months of schooling to catch up in reading and 4.5 months in math.1
Combating learning loss is no easy task and certainly not a short-term solution. Staples Business is here to help students, teachers and schools in learning recovery efforts every step of the way. We offer a wide range of products and are continually expanding our assortment to provide comprehensive support to educators and parents.
Let's explore some of the best ways schools can support learning loss recovery to maximize student achievement while optimizing budget.
Set Your School Up for Success in Learning Recovery
Stock up on the essential classroom supplies your school needs to create a supportive and enriching space—one that fosters academic growth, resilience and success in overcoming learning loss challenges.
Classroom Supplies
Creating an environment conducive to learning loss recovery requires supplies that support engagement, comprehension and academic progress. Teachers will also play a crucial role in facilitating learning experiences. Provide them with the necessary tools and materials to create a conducive learning environment.
Encourage active participation and organization in lessons, helping students to reinforce concepts and track their progress with classroom essentials such as:
Art Materials
Elementary schools with art programs see a 23% improvement in math scores and a 12% boost in reading scores.2
Foster creativity and self-expression with art supplies like colored pencils, markers, paint, and drawing paper. Data shows that schools with art programs not only provide students with outlets for creative expression but also lead to significant improvements in various aspects of their education, including math and reading skills, performance on standardized tests and attendance rates. Engaging in artistic activities can stimulate cognitive development, boost confidence and provide alternative avenues for learning and expression.
In terms of learning loss recovery, art classes in K-12 schools have been linked to improved focus and bolstered academic improvement. In fact, students with access to art education are five times less likely to drop out of school and four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.
Schools with art programs report higher attendance rates and greater success on standardized tests.3
Educational and STEM Toys
Educational and STEM toys are indispensable in aiding learning loss recovery while simultaneously nurturing essential skills such as creativity, problem-solving, concentration, focus, teamwork and collaboration. These toys provide hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and foster critical thinking, fine motor and problem-solving skills, all of which help students thrive academically and prepare for fulfilling futures.
Research shows that puzzles and games help children enhance their math skills and foster cognitive development and critical thinking abilities. Sensory toys strengthen brain development, improve hand-eye coordination and enhance the ability to complete complex tasks. Integrating these diverse educational tools into learning environments offers holistic support for students' cognitive, emotional and physical development, essential for navigating academic challenges.
Technology Solutions:
Incorporating digital learning tools into the classroom helps increase student engagement and enhance the learning experience. Studies show that technology helps students learn at their own pace, leading to accelerated learning and improved comprehension.
Provide teachers and students with the tech they need to stay on top of their educational goals and requirements with ease and efficiency:
Teaching Tech Solutions
53% of surveyed teachers said that technology makes their classroom more vibrant and fun.4
Computer storage and charging units for shared laptops and tablets help teachers maintain organized and functional technology setups. A projector helps deliver engaging multimedia content, aiding in visual learning and accommodating diverse learning styles. Additionally, printers and laminating machines enable educators to craft customized learning materials such as worksheets, handouts and interactive activities, fostering individualized learning experiences tailored to student needs.
Student Tech Solutions
96% of teachers agree that technology increases student engagement.5
Given that 94% of public schools already provide digital devices to students, it's imperative to stay ahead of the curve and leverage advanced technology to support learning recovery efforts. Encourage digital literacy and create an engaging learning atmosphere for students with tablets and Chromebooks. Whether engaging with multimedia content, participating in language learning exercises, or tuning into virtual lectures, headphones enhance concentration and comprehension, letting students fully immerse themselves in the learning process. These powerful tech tools foster interactive learning and enable personalized instruction and collaborative experiences across diverse subject areas.
Tech Accessories
Ensuring the longevity and functionality of technological devices is paramount. Help students and teachers maintain their tech devices with essential tech accessories like screen wipes and protective cases to safeguard against wear and tear, uphold hygiene standards, and prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime. Math accessories like basic calculators and graphing calculators are other tech essentials that help facilitate mathematical proficiency and problem-solving skills, empowering students to tackle challenges with confidence and precision. By incorporating these tech accessories into the educational environment, educators can cultivate a dynamic and inclusive learning atmosphere that caters to students' diverse needs and preferences, ultimately fostering academic excellence and success.
Furniture and Classroom Setup
An inspiring learning environment is an essential component of a productive school day. Students who study in a positive environment are more motivated and have been shown to demonstrate higher learning abilities.
Create flexible learning spaces that promote collaboration, creativity and active participation by investing in ergonomic furniture and comfortable classroom setup solutions:
Comfortable Seating and Organizations
Student discussion participation is 48% higher in a classroom with flexible seating compared to traditional lecture-style seating.6
Flexible seating arrangements promote movement, collaboration and sustained focus, ultimately enhancing overall learning outcomes. Research consistently demonstrates that when students have access to a variety of seating options, their engagement and academic success are significantly elevated. Incorporate versatile seating solutions such as bean bags, floor cushions and comfy chairs to accommodate diverse learning preferences and ensure comfort during prolonged study sessions. By offering students the freedom to choose seating options that suit their individual needs, classrooms become dynamic learning hubs where students feel empowered to explore and thrive.
Whiteboards, Markers, and Erasers
Integrating whiteboards and easels into the classroom can significantly address learning loss by fostering active engagement, comprehension and retention among students. These tools visually reinforce key concepts and information, making it easier for students who may have missed crucial lessons or need help grasping specific topics. Whiteboards, dry-erase markers and erasers also facilitate collaborative learning experiences, allowing students to work together, share insights and build confidence, supporting their efforts to catch up academically.
Why Choose Staples Business
Get everything your school needs—all in one place. From school furniture and educational materials to office supplies, cleaning solutions and technology, Staples Business provides the tools and support necessary for schools to effectively mitigate learning loss and foster academic success. Plus, with bulk purchasing options, you can maximize cost-effectiveness and ensure your school is well-prepared for the academic year ahead.
With Staples Business, you can streamline the procurement process and focus on what matters most—supporting student learning an
Sources
1 Lewis, Karyn, and Megan Kuhfeld. 2023. "CENTER for SCHOOL and STUDENT PROGRESS." https://www.nwea.org/uploads/Educations-long-covid-2022-23-achievement-data-reveal-stalled-progress-toward-pandemic-recovery_NWEA_Research-brief.pdf.
2 Lindner, Jannik . 2023. "Importance of Art Education Statistics [Fresh Research] - Gitnux." Gitnux.org. December 23, 2023. https://gitnux.org/importance-of-art-education-statistics/#:~:text=of%20art%20education.-.
3 Chen, Grace. 2015. "How the Arts Benefit Your Children Academically and Behaviorally | PublicSchoolReview.com." Public School Review. March 6, 2015. https://www.publicschoolreview.com/blog/how-the-arts-benefit-your-children-academically-and-behaviorally.
4 Lindner, Jannik. 2023a. "Technology in Education Statistics [Fresh Research] - Gitnux." Gitnux.org. December 8, 2023. https://gitnux.org/technology-in-education-statistics/.
5 "The Impact of Digital Technology on Education in 25 Stats." 2020. Impact Networking. September 2, 2020. https://www.impactmybiz.com/blog/impact-of-digital-education-on-technology-25-stats/.
6 Brooks, D. Christopher. 2012. "Space and Consequences: The Impact of Different Formal Learning Spaces on Instructor and Student Behavior." Journal of Learning Spaces 1 (2). https://libjournal.uncg.edu/jls/article/view/285/282.