RICHMOND, Ky. (LEX 18) — School districts from Virginia to California are reporting massive increases in students receiving failing grades this semester, according to research by the Poynter Institute. And it's due mostly to the virtual learning program most have had to adapt in response to the spread of COVID-19.
But grade school students aren't the only group being impacted.
Katelyn Fugate, a junior at EKU, has managed to keep her grades up despite having several virtual classes. But already, she's concerned about the spring semester.
"I have in-person classes for the spring that need to be in-person," Fugate said. "I know those classes would be so hard to do on-line, so that's stressful to think about."
The college students have also lost what many feel is the most rewarding part of the college experience.
"I've noticed myself becoming sad, and not in the same mind-set because I wasn't hanging out with my friends like I used to," Fugate mentioned.
Fugate said she's just looking forward to going back to the classrooms full time.
Based on the numbers coming in from around the country, it seems that those feelings are mutual.