Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on School Education: Consequences and Challenges

The aim of this essay is to contribute to the international discussion on the consequences of the pandemic in education. This essay focuses on the case of school education (ISCED 1–3) in the Czech Republic, where a complete, long-term, nationwide school closure was implemented. Schools faced an unprecedented situation and rapidly changing teaching practices. First, the Czech context is briefly introduced with a description of the year-long anti-pandemic measures. A critical reflection of school experiences during the pandemic follows, mainly focused on the roles and activities of main actors, teachers, parents, and students in distance education. Changes in the forms, methods, and contents of teaching and learning are reflected, as is the role of governmental policy toward schools. Further economic consequences and impacts of the anti-pandemic measures on the health of the Czech school population are pointed out. Following a review of the main shifts in schooling, the concluding considerations discuss challenges for the future and possible inspiration from on-line education for the further development of school education. The essay is based on data from monitoring and thematic reports, national surveys, public discussions, and continuous observations made by the author during the course of the pandemic.