Reforms resulting from coronavirus closures might include blended learning where struggling students spend more time in classrooms while others take online classes.
From supporting educators and vetting online resources to providing broadband for students, North Dakota State Superintendent and DA guest columnist Kirsten Baesler shares her state's story—including how leaders and families are working together to strengthen the home-school connection.
Finding new opportunities to keep students engaged at home can be a challenge, unless you think outside the box ... like offering a drive-in esports theater.
Many educators and special education staff go online expecting to focus immediately on the students. In reality, educators are becoming coaches for parents as well as online educators, says DA guest columnist Sharon Soliday.
National and districtwide school improvement and transformation plans can struggle when leadership doesn't accommodate the needs of individual schools, says Eric Kalenze.
Brain-friendly schools support different learning styles, promote active involvement, incorporate multimedia, recognize the impact of environmental factors such as noise and lighting, build connections to the world outside the classroom, and encourage community accessibility and involvement.
Despite school closures, a Henry Hudson Regional School therapy dog named Hudson is still providing social-emotional support for students with special needs via a video-conferencing platform.
DA guest columnist Cameron Shaw credits educator dedication and the quick implementation of communication tools for Dawson ISD's successful response to COVID-19. He is technology director of the Central Texas district.
