Grades 6-12
Quality distance learning is...
CLEAR and STANDARDS-BASED
Lessons address the 2020-21 Priority Learning
Students and families are aware of goals and assignments with as much notice as possible
Students and families have frequent, predictable, and substantive contact with instructors
Routines are established to create structure and familiarity
Stick to familiar resources; introduce new tech sparingly
FLEXIBLE
Flexible due dates and timelines for work completion
Understanding that students may have different responsibilities during this time (ie. caring for siblings), and aren’t always in control of their schedules / how they spend their days / lives
Meet individual student’s needs as they arise (ie. accept late work)
Opportunities to access materials in multiple modalities (audio, video, print)
Open ended assignments for summative assignments
Menu of options for students to choose what interests them
Support students in understanding current events -- not necessarily sticking to previous content/ curriculum
Alternative ways to show learning (ie. take a picture and text it, or give multiple ways to access something)
ACCESSIBLE
Prioritize low-bandwidth activities
Keep students and families informed ahead of time
Provide multiple ways to access content when possible
Leverages technology and visuals to support language learners and student with special needs
ENGAGING AND SUPPORTIVE
Support both social and academic needs
Give authentic opportunities for families to share and learn together
Assign activities students can do with items from home
Give students as much choice as possible
Support student understanding of relevant current events
Use Zoom to promote student interaction, collaboration, sharing
Office hours that support social and academic needs
Engage students in the content through multimedia like videos, podcasts, etc. when possible
Provide meaningful, encouraging feedback
Consider activities that support students to process their experience (ie. “Life During Quarantine” journals, contrasting different categories before/after lockdown)
Balance online tasks with activities that don’t require a computer
EQUITABLE
Instruction plans should recognize that:
COVID-19 is affecting Black and Latinx people at rates many times that of White families.
Students are experiencing trauma, grief, and anxiety as the virus affects their families and communities.
Technological access and familiarity are not equitably spread among our students and families.
Students may not be in control of their own schedules and time.
Synchronous learning structures can put extra stress on students who don't control their schedules, don't have a quiet place to get online, or don't wish to share their home environments.
With this in mind,
Flexibility is important to reach all students.
Providing tech and tech support is vital for our students.
Explicit language instruction should be given to all learners of academic language.
Scaffolded assignments and extra support should be provided.
Language Link and translation services can be used to make sure that parents who are not native speakers of English have access to your curriculum and instructions
Written by Jan Maiuri / Icons by Freepik