BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Local school districts are looking to form plans to help their students who are struggling with distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bakersfield City School District held a special meeting Thursday night to address concerns from teachers and parents.

The executive director of instructional support services provided the board with a detailed report on the district's progress on implementing social-emotional learning systems and structures to better support students and families.

"We had a student panel that spoke to our SEL committees. It was very very powerful it brought some of our teachers to tears," said one speaker. "One of the things that really stood out that was a pattern for all of the kids is the relationship that they want to have with their teacher. They all want to have a relationship with their teacher, they want their teacher to know about them."

Because of student panels, parent surveys, and research, BCSD is adapting how they are teaching and supporting students.