Online education has many worried, but even parents whose children are learning in person are concerned.
The survey found that 32% of parents are very concerned and 36% of parents are somewhat concerned that their children will fall behind in school as a result of any disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. (MICHAEL M. SANTIAGO/GETTY IMAGES)
MORE THAN TWO-THIRDS OF parents of students who receive at least some online instruction are concerned about their children falling behind in school.
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A Pew Research Center survey found that 32% of parents are very concerned and 36% of parents are somewhat concerned that their children will fall behind in school as a result of any disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While parents of children learning at least partially online are concerned, so are parents of children learning in-person only. About one-third, 34%, are somewhat concerned, compared to 21% who are very concerned about their children falling behind in school because of the pandemic.
While schools across the country continue to decide the best way to educate students and whether to open schools in person, a majority of parents of students are satisfied with the way their children's school has handled instruction so far this school year, whether in person or a mix of both.
Fifty-four percent of parents of children receiving in-person only instruction are very satisfied and 36% are somewhat satisfied with the way schools have handled the situation. For parents of children receiving a combination of in-person and online education, 29% are very satisfied and 47% are somewhat satisfied.
Despite the possibility of exposure to coronavirus in-person education poses, most parents of children receiving it are satisfied with steps schools have taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19, with 86% either very or somewhat satisfied.
However, some parents are still worried about their children being exposed to the virus at school, with 20% saying they are very concerned and 42% saying they are somewhat concerned.