EdPrep Inc

Options to consider for better and more effective Distance Learning with elementary aged students .. the domains of interaction well conceived

Getting to Know the Whole Student in Distance Learning Elementary teachers usually know how students move, their interests and temperaments, and more. A look at how to gather those details in distance learning.

How should on line learning be done .. ? Now that so many are engaged in this kind of instruction .. perhaps a good time to evaluate the basis for doing it

The Manifesto for Teaching Online An update to a provocative manifesto intended to serve as a platform for debate and as a resource and inspiration for those teaching in online environments. In 2011, a group of scholars associated with the Centre for Research in Digital Education at the University of Edinburgh released “The Manife...

No time like the present

BACK IN DECEMBER, WE REMEMBER ..In December 2019, Peter Dewitt, wrote in his blog ( Education Week) about what he felt were going to be “ The Critical Issues Facing Education In 2020. They were ( not in rank order) : Health and Wellness, Literacy, School Leadership, Our Perception Of Students, Cultures Of Equity, District Office/ Building-Level Relationships, Politics, Our Perceptions Of Teachers, Va**ng, Time On Task vs Student Achivement, Teachers With Guns, Climate Change.
Now here we are. The 2020-2021 school year has started or is getting ready to start in the US. Knowing and experiencing the start up of school this year, what do you think of these top 12 critical issuesthis blog piece was written Dec. 15, 2019 blog. edweek. org .. if you would like to see Dr DeWitt’s explanation of each of the 12 critical issues )?
As Dorothy said “.Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore “So take a look , consider the 12 critical issues posited by Peter Dewitt and share your view of our “ new normals” in schools.
What are the critical issues facing schools now? Are these new critical issues likely to be temporary or permanent?

THE FUTURE AIN’T WHAT IT USED TO BE😳....One would think those that know what’s coming with future teacher supply would be heeded.. .. but it will likely be another crisis.. like it has been with nursing

Opinion | Get Ready for a Teacher Shortage Like We’ve Never Seen Before If we force teachers to return to schools during an out-of-control pandemic, I don’t know how many will stick around.

Don’t Assume !!!

Waivers for Extracurricular Activities ..:Recent Trump rallies had attendees sign waivers for Covid responsibility before attending. What will your school do about waivers of responsibility for participation in extracurricular activities? Who will sign waivers..:Parents, Students, Teachers, Extracurricular Staff ( volunteers / coaches/ sponsors etc) ? Really important to know what your school and school district has in place. If one is a staff or a sponsor of a extracurricular activity you must be clear if you personally are protected by a school waiver or system waiver related to the Covid pandemic.. Don’t assume you would be ... get it in writing..

Help, I need Somebody !

Ok ..Ghostbusters ... in thinking about what plan schools will follow regarding the “ opening “ in the fall .. Here’s a thought about what principals and teachers are pondering ( and not talking much about ) Substitutes Teachers ... like in Ghostbusters..Who Ya Gonna Call ?

Subs, even in the best of times are often very hard to get at schools .. some schools struggle to get anyone to report for a sick teacher

So now Covid 19 .. Who traditionally subs ? ..Often retired or semi retired individuals become available for the Substitute Pool..Think that scenario will change? I think you can count on a much harder task in getting people willing to be Subs for schools with the pandemic in place now .

What have principals done in the past when they can’t get subs ? Well they may merge classes .. just think of that as an option in the social distance school world. Principals ,often, when not able to get subs assign staff to classes during the teachers’ planning time( if there is such a thing as planning time). Another option is to assign classified staff to sub. Another option is to assign themselves or other administrators to cover the classes.

All the above are not, in my opinion, great options for schools in Covid 19 times.

I guess principals will be singing the Beatles song “Help” rather loudly !

Fire, Ready, Aim