Consequences of COVID-19 Realities and Misconceptions for Rural PK–12 Students

In this chapter, we review rural education with special attention to the challenges that first faced schools in responding to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as well as the barriers (e.g., resources, infrastructure, misconceptions, etc.) to serving children that schools are continuing to experience as the pandemic continues in the United States. In addition, we offer recommendations for ongoing and future research that further captures the consequences of the pandemic on the student experience. The resource-poor nature of Rural America, as well as the ability of educators to adapt, is brought to light. Rural schools have responded to students’ basic needs by setting up feeding programs and balancing face-to-face and virtual instruction/counseling affecting the ability to connect with students and families, many of whom are grieving loved ones lost to COVID-19. Future research should capture the efficacy of the services offered to rural students in the face of these challenges. © 2022 selection and editorial matter, Nazneen Khan;individual chapters, the contributors