Teacher perceptions of academic functioning in children raised by grandparents during a pandemic

Nationally, more than seven million children are being cared for by grandparents. In Texas alone, over 630,000 children live in homes where grandparents are the custodial caretakers. In many cases, children placed in the home of grandparents lived in unpredictable conditions with their parents. Factors contributing to removing children from their home involved parents abusing drugs, incarceration, and violence. Studies have suggested that children raised by grandparents experience increased academic, emotional, and behavioral difficulties than their peers. With students already experiencing traumatic changes, teachers’ perceptions can impact how they educate the child. Furthermore, some studies have shown that teacher perceptions of non-traditional families appear to be unfair and biased. It tends to emphasize particular populations and does not compare teacher perceptions across various groups. With the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the closing of schools, the learning gap has widened. In addition, the closure of schools has had damaging consequences for children who are living in poverty and is likely to worsen inequalities. Studies have suggested that teachers can influence how students learn, and student behaviors can influence the way teachers teach. This study used a qualitative case study approach that focused on a school district in South Texas. Ten elementary teachers from grades 1 thru 4 participated in this study. The researcher examined the perceptions and experiences of teachers toward students’ academic progress and behaviors of children raised by grandparents and those of their peers. With the increasing numbers of grandparents raising grandchildren, additional research is needed to understand better and address the needs and concerns of these caretakers. Recognizing the vital role that grandparents have in raising children that are at most vulnerable and exposed to higher risks should be a beginning. Additionally, it is important for administrators to provide teachers with the proper training to be able to deliver instruction to students without bias. Providing educators with a variety of strategies and interventions can help pave the way for success in education. Keywords: grandparents raising grandchildren, teacher perceptions, behaviors, poverty, student achievemen