If you choose your district’s virtual school through your district or you’re sending your child back to school physically, know that some major changes have occurred. Public school districts are proactively working to ensure this round of virtual school is a success. They are purchasing meaningful technology and pouring in training and support for teachers, administrators, and staff.
In March 2020, most of the U.S closed their public schools and almost everything else, from that point on we were all thrown into a whirlwind of unknowns. One of those unknowns was how will public schools operate? Some school districts had at least some technology in place, some did not, either way we were all lost, confused and within a few weeks ready to give up on online learning.
I know we are all still traumatized from our last attempt of virtual learning ( online learning through your child’s school district) and thinking about doing it again may make you cringe. But there is good news, this time it will be better. No matter what your online experience was last year, whether you had technology or you picked up assignments from your child’s school, know that this time around will be much better, and here is why..
Teachers will be offering support
Teachers are learning about innovative ways to teach online. They are getting new training and specifically learning how to make connections with students while teaching online. The expectation is that real teaching will be going on. In most districts this is not 7 hours in front of a computer. We all know that isn’t good for anyone. These will be short live sessions throughout the week, and some record sessions. Some districts will even offer tutorials that offer parent support and video conferences for parents who need to have face to face conversations with teachers.
Parents will receive support and be actively involved
According to the CDC our rising numbers. School districts are preparing teachers to teach virtually at some point. Even if your school is going back to in person teaching districts are anticipating that school will be closing again. This means parents, we will need to be actively involved in our children’s education. I know this is reminiscent of the March 2020, we are all suffering from that virtual school trauma. But here is the good news, school districts are way more prepared this time. Districts are training teachers on how to use google classroom and platforms like Canvas. But parents, we will still need to help out. The best part is this time you will have much more support from teachers and the school district.
Remember this is YOUR child’s education.
- Make sure you know what your child is working on each week. The teacher should provide this for you if they don’t provide it ask for it! Teachers are required to turn in lesson plans each week so they should know what they will be teaching by the start of each week.
- If you need help with the assignments, ask the teacher, they will help you.
- Know that google and youtube will be your best friend when trying to figure out what a quadrilateral is or when you’re trying to teach something to your kid that you have never heard of.
- If your child is struggling, ask for an online conference so you can talk with your child’s teacher face to face.
- Know the expectations, how long should my child be online? When are assignments due? How will assignments be turned in? Ask questions often and document the answer so you have them handy. You can also use this free planner I created.
Remember it is your child’s right to have a free and equal education via the 14th amendment so as a parent make sure that happens for your child.
Everyone is accountable
One big change is that everyone will be held accountable. In March 2020, we were flying by the seat of our pants, and school just needed to keep students learning. This meant that in some districts if a child simply logged on to their computers, they received a passing grade for the year. Not the best practice but we were in dire circumstances, so I get it. Teachers were not willing to fail students, because teachers and districts knew our March 2020 attempt at online learning was a big flop.
Teachers and students were thrust into learning online, with little to no experience and some districts didn’t have any technology! As I talk with my teacher friends across the country, the consensus seems to be REAL TEACHING, REAL GRADES… Teachers will be teaching real lessons and working with students to ensure they are learning the material. If students need it, one-on-one live sessions may also be an option. The teacher’s goal is to make sure each student is successful during this virtual school transition. This time around everyone will be held accountable.
Districts are being proactive
School Districts are getting ready by purchasing better online platforms, making sure every student has a computer with a working camera, and purchasing hot spots to ensure all students can connect to the internet.
Districts are ensuring that teachers have the proper support and training to ensure a successful year. Some districts have even hired instructional coaches with specific online teaching experience to help train teachers.
This time school districts and teachers are way more prepared. This time teachers will offer support, parents will be actively involved (not saying you weren’t but this time you will have actual support), everyone is accountable, and districts are being proactive. I would hope that you take these things into consideration when deciding the right choice for your child’s education. Remember you know your child best and whatever option you choose is the right one.
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