As we begin our planning process, different strategic planning cycles are being utilized. Committees are being formed and many scenarios and considerations are being discussed. However, despite new guidelines and model plans, there are many, many unanswered and unprecedented questions. Many administrators have created lists of questions, which for each district may be answered differently or may be left uncovered.
This initial phase of planning will require educators, communities, and the specialist to work side by side to plan for what our schools could look like. Many districts are considering alternate days to allow for cohorts of students to be in classes and lessen the number of students in the building at one time. While this seems like the most feasible and focused on the overall health and safety, it is complicated. Uncertainties about schedules, busing, cleaning, contact tracing, seating, masks/no masks, safety equipment, hygiene, lunch/no lunch, entrances, signage, parent trainings, staff training and many other lists of questions are being compiled. Each discussion has led to more questions and overlapping challenges. We have only weeks to decide and execute our new educational system.
While going through this process, we often stop to reflect on the social and emotional well being of our students. When our students are asked how they feel about returning, the response often centers around fear and nerves about getting sick, wearing masks, and being in an environment which looks nothing like the building they left on March 13, 2020. Some feel that school will be a "war zone" without the guns and fighting. Sad, disheartening. But, for many students, teachers, and parents these are the thoughts and fears that are keeping us up at night.
Beyond the planning to keep our students and staff safe and healthy, planning and research has been ongoing about best practices for a true blended learning model. Our educators executed a significant shift in teaching to offer remote learning when schools closed. Our next step, is to plan a fluid plan to offer various formats of learning in person and online. The fluidity of the plan will allow for there to be a true continuity of learning if schools need to close, if teachers are unable to teach in person, and/or if students need to learn solely online.
Comments