ATLANTA – State Representative David Wilkerson (D-Powder Springs), along with other members of the Georgia General Assembly, recently hosted a virtual town hall meeting to support students attending schools and universities across the state of Georgia and learn more about the effects of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, on their learning experience.
The conversation was held in response the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia’s decision which prevented 26 universities and colleges from choosing to implement pass/fail grading options.
“The Board of Regents has yet to give students an opportunity to tell their side,” said Rep. Wilkerson. “As elected officials, we felt it our responsibility to hear these students out. “Can colleges accurately measure these students’ academic achievement given they all continue to experience the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic differently?”
Students who participated in the virtual town hall meeting represented those attending Georgia’s post-secondary schools, including native Georgians, students from across the country and international students. The students shared personal stories and the anecdotes of close friends regarding the effects of COVID-19 on their ability to successfully transition to online learning, such as poor internet access, unsuitable home/living environment, limited support for students with disabilities and financial responsibilities.
To watch a video of the virtual town hall meeting, please click here.
Representative David Wilkerson represents the citizens of District 38, which includes portions of Cobb County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Juvenile Justice, Retirement and Science and Technology committees.
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