Until the COVID-19 outbreak, cognitive and brain imaging research was being carried out at Windward’s two EEG labs in Manhattan and Westchester. In response to the current COVID-19 landscape, Windward teachers and scientists from the Haskins Laboratories have reconfigured the research plan. The research team had initially planned to conduct a second round of in-school EEG testing and behavioral assessments in March and April of 2020, however the closing of all schools due to the pandemic has required a change in plans. 

As a result, EEG data collection will re-start during the fall semester. Collection of behavioral data will proceed as originally scheduled, but with one significant change. The Haskins research scientists have developed new tools to administer the behavioral assessments online so that participating students will be able to complete this portion of the study from home. While this disruption has impacted data collection in the short term, the research team will continue to track students over multiple “typical” years in future. It is, however, important to note that this unprecedented time provides a unique opportunity to explore the impacts of online learning on student outcomes over this period.