Natural disaster recovery is harder for rural schools. Early preparation and strategies ensure students keep learning.

Early planning is key to  rural school disaster
strategies. (Photo by D. Leon, Unsplash)

When natural disasters strike rural schools, many struggle for months to find and implement recovery resources. "Fortunately, there are solutions," writes Lee Ann Rawlins Williams for The Conversation. "Based on my professional research on emergency preparedness – and my experience working in educational settings – I’ve identified several strategies that may help."

Unlike their urban counterparts, rural schools have "unique disaster challenges," including a "lack of access to temporary sites for classes after a disaster, weaker local funding streams, and student transportation struggles," Williams explains. With those issues in mind, "preparing for a disaster in a rural area should occur earlier and take into account the specific needs of the community."

Developing a practical rural school natural disaster plan can begin with these strategies:

• Plan to teach with learning materials that "do not require internet access," Williams suggests. "I have found that many teachers focus on electronic resources, such as smartphones and Apple watches, and overlook the use of old-fashioned methods."
  
  
• Remember that mobile technology can help bridge learning disruption gaps. "If [cell phone] service is available, students and teachers can communicate by phone," Williams explains. "When internet access is unavailable, schools can use mobile learning hubs. These are vehicles equipped with Wi-Fi, computers and other educational tools. These mobile hubs can travel to rural areas to provide students with access to digital resources."
  
  
• Use an adaptive and flexible school work model. Williams adds, "After Hurricane Helene downed power lines and closed roads in Beaufort County, South Carolina, students who were without power or internet were given five days to complete their work and other considerations. This flexibility helps ensure students do not fall too far behind. It may even help students better manage stress and maintain their mental well-being."
  
  
• Make strengthening rural roads a priority.