Category: Pandemic responses

A simple phrase that, used alone or prefacing a question, can help you connect better with others

“Tell me…”

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7 Takeaways from our experiences with distance learning: administrators may be able to handle whatever comes next year by putting people first and remaining flexible by Mary Davenport

Put people first
Less is more
Make and communicate a plan
Don’t go it alone

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For Teachers: Summer Reading During Turbulent Times Influenced by the pandemic and social unrest, two teachers recommend books to read this summer on topics like wrestling with loss, addressing inequity, and recharging for the school year ahead.

“Summer leisure reading can feel like an indulgent start to slower-paced days away from school. But in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and major social unrest, a thoughtful reading list feels downright essential right now as we readjust routines, adapt to pandemic-induced school changes, and work for a more equitable community. by Marissa King …

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Teaching and Leading Through a Pandemic Key Findings from the American Educator Panels Spring 2020 COVID-19 Surveys by Rand Researchers

Finding of research “There were large disparities in students’ access to supports for learning — disparities that predated the pandemic and that educators will need to continue to tackle.”

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A restorative approach is key for a new normal after COVID-19 by Jennifer & Kristina Llewellyn

“Social distancing has shown us that our siloed and fragmented social systems and services will be stronger with more integration and interconnection…..What has been revealed is that we need to work in more relational and integrated ways, not only in this extraordinary moment of crisis but also in ordinary times. We need a relational shift …

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Edutopia reports that Teachers Around the World Tell Us Reopening Is Tough, but Joyful – In countries where infection rates have stabilized, schools are reopening

” Edutopia article had worldwide feedback from over 600 teachers about their return to class and what they shared was: THE BIG PICTURE—THINGS ARE GOING WELL ALTERNATE DAY ATTENDANCE IS THE NEW NORMAL NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO, YOU’LL NEED GOOD TECHNOLOGY WATCH FOR A SPECIAL CASE OF TEACHER BURNOUT STILL IN MOTION AT SOME HIGH …

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Five Things Not To Do When Schools Re-open by Pasi Sahlberg

“Many are afraid losing their health, the lives of loved ones, their jobs, their dreams, and their futures. What most parents probably expect from schools now is safety and stability, not revolution or change. I like many others think that now is the time to reimagine schools. But I am afraid that making these dreams come true at scale will be very difficult.”

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Attendance Playbook: Smart Strategies for reducing chronic absenteeism in the Covid Era from Attendance Works

“Over the past decade, a growing body of knowledge of what works to improve attendance for groups of students with disproportionately high rates of chronic absence has emerged due to the hard work of a practitioners and researchers across the country. With nearly eight million students chronically absent nationwide, we can’t afford to waste time and resources doing business as usual. Our students and families deserve better.”

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The shift to working online requires teachers to think a little differently about how to build the culture they want with their students: 5 helpful steps from Edutopia

Complete a culture inventory Establish digital community agreements Establish trusting relationships Build respect Scaffold responsibility Read article

What Role Can the Education Community Play to End Racism and Begin Healing?

7 ways educational communities can be proactive

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