UPDATE: What to Think About When Your School is Closing Due to Coronavirus + Resources for Online Learning During School Closures

What to Think About When Your School is Closing Due to Coronavirus

What to Think About When Your School is Closing Due to Coronavirus

COVID-19 has left many educators and administrators nationwide operating under a rapid response system to make sure learning continuity plans are in place for students. As of March 15, Education Week reports that “at least 64,000 schools are closed, are scheduled to close, or were closed and later reopened, affecting at least 32.5 million students.”  

While the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization offer advice and strategies on how to stay healthy and avoid community spread, below is a list of items for educators to think about in the case of a school closure: 

Check out How K-12 Schools Should Prepare for Coronavirus from the Center for American Progress. It offers detailed information on issues centered on equity, technology, and services for students with disabilities and English Language Learners, and more. 

Avoid new assignments. Instead, structure assignments based on previously learned concepts. This will give students an opportunity to reinforce what has already been taught and discussed. 

While you may have been reading Shakespeare in class, send home material that will engage students. Suggest, for example, some Young Adult literature. Visit NEA’s Read Across America summer reading list to help but good books into your students’ hands.

Routines give kids a sense of security, so keep your students on a schedule, where they will follow the subjects that they would be doing at school.

Factor into the schedule brain breaks and physical activity. Students can follow an exercise program on YouTube, for example. 

Help break up the day with activities that spark creativity, such as fun crafts, painting, or journaling—anything to keep kids away from watching TV/online shows. 

Resources for Online Learning During School Closures

Technology teacher and author Jacqui Murray shares her list of the most useful articles, links, resources, and webinars to help educators (and parents) through this challenging time.

Consider using COVID-19 as a learning approach. According to Education Week’s Sarah Schwartz, a middle school math teacher had her students compare the coronavirus to other viruses that have caused past epidemics and connected it to exponential growth. Students of an Illinois high school math and science teacher asked questions about the virus and evaluated sources of scientific information, activities that fall under NGSS Science and Engineering Practices. There was also a discussion on the racism and xenophobia that’s been directed toward people of Asian descent since the beginning of the outbreak.  And a library media specialist and math teacher presented a lesson on statistics are portrayed in the news, a blend of media literacy and data analysis.  

Or, you might suggest to students to reach out to extended family in other parts of the country/world to see what’s happening in their cities. What did they do that was different from their own families (compare and contrast)? Have them answer, “now that we’ve been through a pandemic, what can we do different in the future?” You’ll have plenty to discuss when everyone returns to the classroom.   

What to Think About When Your School is Closing Due to Coronavirus

Resources for Online Learning During School Closures http://neatoday.org/2020/03/16/resources-for-online-learning-during-school-closures/#.Xm--vcdjEiE.twitter

Senate Joins House: Rejects Betsy DeVos’ Rule to Protect For-Profit Colleges and Forgive Borrowers | janresseger

Senate Joins House: Rejects Betsy DeVos’ Rule to Protect For-Profit Colleges and Forgive Borrowers | janresseger

Senate Joins House: Rejects Betsy DeVos’ Rule to Protect For-Profit Colleges and Forgive Borrowers

In the summer of 2018, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos proposed a revision in an Obama-era rule designed to protect student borrowers when their for-profit colleges shut down or when they believed they had been defrauded by a college’s predatory false advertising.  DeVos’s proposed changes in the rule, called “borrowers defense to repayment,” would, she said, save the federal government $700 million annually.  DeVos’s new rule had been scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2020.

Last Wednesday, however, the U.S. Senate voted to reverse DeVos’s proposed revisions to the rule. The House had approved the measure to overturn DeVos’s rule in mid-January. Politico‘s Michael Stratford reports that if President Trump signs the bill which has now passed both Congressional chambers, “the DeVos rule would be nullified, leaving in place the Obama-era standards. The Education Department would be prohibited from writing any new rule that is ‘substantially the same’ unless Congress acts.”  In both the House and Senate, Republicans joined Democrats in voting to overturn Secretary DeVos’s new rule.

Stratford explains the implications of recent Congressional action to reverse DeVos’s rule: “The Senate on Wednesday issued a strong bipartisan rebuff to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, passing legislation to block her policy that makes it tougher for defrauded student loan borrowers to have their debts forgiven. Ten Republican senators broke with the Trump administration and joined with Democrats on a 53-42 vote to overturn DeVos’s rewrite of the Obama-era “borrower defense” rule, which governs debt relief for students whose colleges engaged in misconduct. The measure, which cleared the House last month, now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk. The White House has threatened a veto of the legislation which did not garner a veto-proof majority in either chamber. But Trump told Republican senators during a closed-door meeting on Tuesday that he was ‘neutral’ on the resolution…  CONTINUE READING: Senate Joins House: Rejects Betsy DeVos’ Rule to Protect For-Profit Colleges and Forgive Borrowers | janresseger

Architecture 101 for Kids and Teens Online – Seattle Education

Architecture 101 for Kids and Teens Online – Seattle Education

Architecture 101 for Kids and Teens Online

Hello to all,

With COVID-19 creating havoc in many ways on our lives, I may be of value to some parents who, while their students are out of school, may want additional academic support.

I have been teaching Architecture 101 classes for almost 20 years and began offering online courses several years ago.

Now that I live in Portugal, my geographic range of students not only includes the US but also Canada, the EU, the UK and South Africa.

I teach one-on-one with students in real time, as I would if teaching in my studio, and can also offer classes for two or more students via a conference line.

One of the benefits of the classes is that the subject draws on math, history and social studies, reinforcing what the student is learning in school.

For more on me and the classes I offer, please see Architecture 101 for Kids and Teens.

If you have any questions, please send an email to dora.taylor@icloud.com. We can also talk via WhatsApp, Messenger or any other app you prefer.

My best to everyone as we go through these trying times.

Dora

Architecture 101 for Kids and Teens Online – Seattle Education

La. Teacher of the Year: An Open Letter to High School Seniors During Coronavirus Crisis | deutsch29

La. Teacher of the Year: An Open Letter to High School Seniors During Coronavirus Crisis | deutsch29

La. Teacher of the Year: An Open Letter to High School Seniors During Coronavirus Crisis

I have known Chris for most of his life. I remember celebrating his third birthday with his family (and have the Barney pics to prove it).

Chris knows what it is like to have his senior year of high school wrecked by a major crisis– Hurricane Katrina.

As a result of the social distancing required for America to combat the impact of the coronavirus, governors and other officials are canceling school, and the Class of 2020 across the nation is grieving the profound loss of their senior year.

I know your grief is real, and I am so sorry for your loss.

I want to comfort and encourage you, and for that reason, I asked Chris if he would write an open letter to America’s high school seniors. He enthusiastically and graciously accepted.

Below is his response, for you, Class of 2020.

Dear High School Senior,

On Friday afternoon a few seniors came into my classroom after the last bell rang. They were concerned about prom and their senior trip. It broke my teacher heart to listen. As you’re reading this, you most likely have similar concerns.

This is supposed to be your year. The year for your senior prom, sporting events, cheer competitions, senior trips, clubs, and the rest of what senior year has to offer. You were supposed to be the captain of that team, the officer of that club, or that student who wanted to be with their friends one last year before venturing into the unknown. This was THE year that your entire schooling was building up to. But it was robbed from you because of this global pandemic.

Let’s be abundantly clear – you were robbed, and it’s unfair. If you’re upset, then you should embrace those feelings. Commiserate with one CONTINUE READING: La. Teacher of the Year: An Open Letter to High School Seniors During Coronavirus Crisis | deutsch29

Important update on just-announced NYC school closings and other important developments | Class Size Matters

Important update on just-announced NYC school closings and other important developments | Class Size Matters 

Important update on just-announced NYC school closings and other important developments

After several weeks of resistance, Mayor de Blasio just announced that starting tomorrow, Monday March 16, NYC public schools will be closed, and will remain closed until at least April 20, to stem the rapid spread of coronavirus.  For the next week, schools will be open only as a place for parents to pick up food if they need it for their families, and teachers will be trained in online learning starting Tuesday.

The following week, starting March 23, students will begin to engage in “remote learning”, and “Regional Enrichment centers” will be opened throughout the city to provide child care for first responders, health care and transit workers, and “our most vulnerable populations.”

Chancellor Carranza said that online devices will also be provided to the approximately 300,000 kids who don’t have them. A schedule of events is available on the DOE website here. The Chancellor strongly urged all parents to sign up for School Accounts to stay in the loop, if you haven’t already; instructions here.

• The Mayor delayed this necessary decision for weeks, even after most public health experts, parents, teachers, union officials, and other elected leaders had begged him to close the schools, as nearly every other large district and more than 15 states have already done. More on about this in a blog post I wrote on Thursday. With more than half a million kids in overcrowded schools, and more than 325,000 in classes of 30 or more, it would be simply impossible to prevent the rapid spread of the virus among our children, teachers and other staff, which currently is our best chance to prevent our health care system from becoming quickly overwhelmed.

• Yet I am also very skeptical as to the value of online learning even under the best of conditions; and there is growing consensus among independent researchers that it doesn’t work well, especially for kids who need help the most.  I and others also have many privacy concerns, some of which are outlined on our Parent Coalition for Student Privacy blog, where I also offer some alternative suggestions as to what might be better ways to keep your kids engaged, both physically and intellectually, during the weeks ahead.

When online instruction begins in NYC, I will be eager to hear from all of you, including parents, CONTINUE READING: Important update on just-announced NYC school closings and other important developments | Class Size Matters 

NYC Public School Parents: Important update on just-announced NYC school closings and other important developments

NYC Public School Parents: Important update on just-announced NYC school closings and other important developments

Important update on just-announced NYC school closings and other important developments

After several weeks of resistance, Mayor de Blasio just announced that starting tomorrow, Monday March 16, NYC public schools will be closed, and will remain closed until at least April 20, to stem the rapid spread of coronavirus.  For the next week, schools will be open only as a place for parents to pick up food if they need it for their families, and teachers will be trained in online learning starting Tuesday.

The following week, starting March 23, students will begin to engage in “remote learning”, and “Regional Enrichment centers” will be opened throughout the city to provide child care for first responders, health care and transit workers, and “our most vulnerable populations.”
Chancellor Carranza said that online devices will also be provided to the approximately 300,000 kids who don’t have them. A schedule of events is available on the DOE website here. The Chancellor strongly urged all parents to sign up for School Accounts to stay in the loop, if you haven’t already; instructions here.

• The Mayor delayed this necessary decision for weeks, even after most public health experts, parents, teachers, union officials, and other elected leaders had begged him to close the schools, as nearly every other large district and more than 15 states have already done. More on about this in a blog post I wrote on Thursday. With more than half a million kids in overcrowded schools, and more than 325,000 in classes of 30 or more, it would be simply impossible to prevent the rapid spread of the virus among our children, teachers and other staff, which currently is our best chance to prevent our health care system from becoming quickly overwhelmed.

• Yet I am also very skeptical as to the value of online learning even under the best of conditions; and there is growing consensus among independent researchers that it doesn’t work well, especially for kids who need help the most.  I and others also have many privacy concerns, some of which are outlined on our Parent Coalition for Student Privacy blog, where I also offer some alternative suggestions as to what might be better ways to keep your kids engaged, both physically and intellectually, during CONTINUE READING: NYC Public School Parents: Important update on just-announced NYC school closings and other important developments

Big Education Ape: Advice to parents whose children’s schools are being closed to stem the spread of coronavirus | Parent Coalition for Student Privacy - http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2020/03/advice-to-parents-whose-childrens.html

Advice to parents whose children’s schools are being closed to stem the spread of coronavirus | Parent Coalition for Student Privacy

Advice to parents whose children’s schools are being closed to stem the spread of coronavirus | Parent Coalition for Student Privacy

ADVICE TO PARENTS WHOSE CHILDREN’S SCHOOLS ARE BEING CLOSED TO STEM THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS

For the millions of parents whose children’s schools are closed, here is some advice on trying to minimize the health risks from your children’s overuse of screens, and to maximize their privacy if they are using ed tech apps.

Privacy

Many ed tech programs are neither private nor secure; they collect and share children’s personal data, often without your knowledge or consent.  This 2018 US Dept of Ed guidance has said that schools cannot require parents to agree to the terms of online apps or programs if they violate federal privacy law.   Ransomware, hacking, and identity theft also increase when using online programs, as the FBI has warned .  Generally,  your child’s data can only be used only for educational purposes, and the app’s privacy and terms of services should clearly say this.

For more specific advice on  what federal student privacy law requires and red flags to look for in reading a privacy policy,  check out our Parent Toolkit for Student Privacy.   Teachers should consult our Educator Toolkit .

Many schools  and colleges are using Zoom.  Be aware that there was a privacy complaint lodged against Zoom for intentionally allowing web cameras to be operated without users’ knowledge or consent.  You might consider keeping a band aid or other removable sticker on your computer’s web camera until you or your child intends to use it.

When considering applications and tools for remote online learning, you can also check out the privacy reviews of specific apps and CONTINUE READING: Advice to parents whose children’s schools are being closed to stem the spread of coronavirus | Parent Coalition for Student Privacy

Download the State Student Privacy Report Card HERE

View the interactive map and find more information about the report HERE

Educators: learn how to protect your students' privacy and your own.

Download a copy of the toolkit HERE

Parents: check out our toolkit on how to better protect your child's sensitive data, as well as tips to use in advocating for better privacy policies and practices at your children's schools.

Download a copy of the toolkit in English or Spanish

CURMUDGUCATION: It's Okay. You Don't Have To Homeschool.

CURMUDGUCATION: It's Okay. You Don't Have To Homeschool.

It's Okay. You Don't Have To Homeschool.

Like most teachers, I've had those student requests. End of the period, usually, they stop by the desk, usually looking downhearted. "Could I have the assignments for the next week or so," they ask. And then the cause. Death of a relative. Family emergency. A non-elective operation. A family tragedy. Some sort of unavoidable crisis that would take them away from school.

My answer was usually something along the lines of, "Just worry about taking care of yourself. We can sort out the work when you get back." On the occasions when the absence might cause extra falling-behind stress, I would offer some general direction ("We're going to be finishing the novel, wrapping up the rough draft, working in groups for the project"), but always with the same caveat-- take care of yourself first.

I've been thinking about that as school across the country shut down and social media fills up with all sorts of guides for home schooling or keeping your child organized. Color-coded hour-by-hour schedules. Guides to on-line resources and lessons. A dozen different tools to help have some semblance of school at home. And parents passing all of these back and forth, fretting about how to keep their child's education still happening. Quick! What's a Zoom and how do I get on it!!??

My actual first thought was--well, I don't remember ever seeing this level of freaking out over summer vacation. On the one hand, the concern is understandable; on the other hand, you would think some of these families had never been through summer vacation before.

But my second thought was this--

Just chill.

Stop.

Breathe.

This is a weird, scary, stressful time. If you want to create some structure and sense of forward movement by doing your version of ad hoc homeschooling, that's certainly okay. But if you'd rather CONTINUE READING: CURMUDGUCATION: It's Okay. You Don't Have To Homeschool.

Updated: NYC Schools Will Close Effective Monday (3/17) Until April 20th (or later) | Ed In The Apple

Updated: NYC Schools Will Close Effective Monday (3/17) Until April 20th (or later) | Ed In The Apple

Updated: NYC Schools Will Close Effective Monday (3/17) Until April 20th (or later)

Updated (3/15 – 5;30): de Blasio announces school will close tomorrow through April 20th, at least. Centers for children of health care workers will be announced. This coming week schools will be open for “grab and go” meals to take home.

Training for teachers for online teaching Tuesday through Thursday. Remote learning will begin Monday, 3/23 on Department website.

Number of confirmed cases 329 and increasing rapidly, five deaths,

In the last few days the calls for school closings have accelerated, the President of the American Federation of Teachers, Randi Weingarten (Watch MSNBC interview here), Michael Mulgrew, the President of the United Federation of Teachers (Read statement here), the Los Angeles School District (Read statement here) all support closing schools.

Tens of thousands of page views quoted Diane Ravitch as supporting school closing, Diane responded, she was misquoted.

Most of the thirty largest school districts will be closed this week.

An op ed in the New York Times, “We Do Not Need to Close School to Fight the Coronavirus” argues “shutdowns could likely do more harm than good, since CONTINUE READING: Updated: NYC Schools Will Close Effective Monday (3/17) Until April 20th (or later) | Ed In The Apple