However, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted traditional methods of assessment. Many schools have had to shift to online learning, which can make it difficult to accurately assess student performance. In addition, some students have faced significant challenges during the pandemic, such as illness, family job loss, or displacement, which can further impact their ability to learn and achieve.
As a result, there is some concern that pandemic assessment is not fair to students. Some students may be penalized for circumstances beyond their control, while others may benefit from more lenient grading policies. This could lead to disparities in college admissions and financial aid, as well as in students' future career opportunities.
There is no easy way to resolve this issue. However, it is important to be aware of the potential challenges of pandemic assessment and to take steps to mitigate them. For example, schools can provide additional support to students who are struggling and use multiple measures of assessment to get a more comprehensive picture of their academic abilities. Colleges and universities can also adjust their admissions criteria to take into account the unique circumstances of the pandemic.
By working together, we can help to ensure that all students have a fair chance to succeed in their post-secondary studies, despite the challenges of the pandemic.