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Fall 2020 COVID-19 Needs Assessment among New Jersey Secondary School Educational Professionals

Author

Listed:
  • Derek G. Shendell

    (Rutgers School of Public Health (SPH), NJ Safe Schools Program, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
    Department of Environmental & Occupational Health & Justice, Rutgers School of Public Health (SPH), Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA)

  • Juhi Aggarwal

    (Rutgers School of Public Health (SPH), NJ Safe Schools Program, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
    Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Rutgers School of Public Health (SPH), Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA)

  • Maryanne L. F. Campbell

    (Rutgers School of Public Health (SPH), NJ Safe Schools Program, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA)

  • Lauren N. Gonzalez

    (Rutgers School of Public Health (SPH), NJ Safe Schools Program, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA)

  • Elizabeth Kaplun

    (Rutgers School of Public Health (SPH), NJ Safe Schools Program, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
    Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Rutgers School of Public Health (SPH), Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA)

  • Koshy Koshy

    (Department of Environmental & Occupational Health & Justice, Rutgers School of Public Health (SPH), Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
    Center for Public Health Workforce Development, Rutgers SPH, Somerset, NJ 08873, USA)

  • Thomas I. Mackie

    (Department of Health Behavior, Society & Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health (SPH), Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA)

Abstract

Secondary or high school (HS) educational professionals expressed concerns about dealing with environmental and occupational health and safety protocols due to COVID-19. Concerns related to fall 2020 school re-opening and getting back into in-person teaching—whether full-time, part-time or some other approved hybrid model—plus ongoing uncertainty with how the state and federal government will be handling matters about mandates for virtual learning, rapid testing, vaccine distribution, etc. These concerns were related to both their experience as educational professionals and genuine interest in personal and student well-being. This study was a cross-sectional online survey in early fall from mid-September–early October 2020. Of a possible maximum participation of 740 New Jersey (NJ) supervisory-level HS teachers and administrators (e.g., department chairs, district and school principals), 100 confirmed unique respondents (13.5%) consented and completed the survey. Of 100 experienced (mean 18 years teaching) participants, 70% responded to the gender identity question (overall, 61% female, 39% male; by NJ region, gender ratios were similar). There were statistically significant differences (using Fischer’s exact test) between NJ regions regarding provision of online counseling and support services for teachers ( p < 0.001); for resources and equipment for teachers to mediate online learning ( p = 0.02); for assistive video technology tools ( p = 0.03) and accessibility to structured online learning and professional development ( p = 0.002); concerning learning aids to engage students in online instruction, online counseling, and support services for students and their families ( p = 0.006); appropriate protocol is clean and disinfect areas used by a person with COVID-19 ( p = 0.002); and, immediately separate staff and students who screen positive for COVID-19 ( p = 0.03). There were few statistical differences by gender. This study reported what participants wanted regarding the development of future policies then implemented as reopening practices. Data can inform recommendations in NJ and elsewhere at federal, state, and local levels. Data provide new insights and valuable information to inform the consideration of acceptability of various policy measures among HS education professionals.

Suggested Citation

  • Derek G. Shendell & Juhi Aggarwal & Maryanne L. F. Campbell & Lauren N. Gonzalez & Elizabeth Kaplun & Koshy Koshy & Thomas I. Mackie, 2021. "Fall 2020 COVID-19 Needs Assessment among New Jersey Secondary School Educational Professionals," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-13, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:8:p:4083-:d:535022
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Giuseppina Lo Moro & Tiziana Sinigaglia & Fabrizio Bert & Armando Savatteri & Maria Rosaria Gualano & Roberta Siliquini, 2020. "Reopening Schools during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Overview and Rapid Systematic Review of Guidelines and Recommendations on Preventive Measures and the Management of Cases," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-21, November.
    2. Lourdes Ezpeleta & José Blas Navarro & Núria de la Osa & Esther Trepat & Eva Penelo, 2020. "Life Conditions during COVID-19 Lockdown and Mental Health in Spanish Adolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-11, October.
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