Educational Leadership
Special Report, April 15, 2020
A New Reality: Getting Remote Learning Right
Volume 77, No. 10
DESCRIPTION
This Educational Leadership special report aims to provide guidance and spark reflection, discussion, and problem-solving on the unprecedented challenges facing school leaders and educators during the novel coronavirus crisis. Bringing together a range of expert educator voices, it spotlights technological and instructional best practices for remote learning in difficult circumstances, while also exploring ways to address critical issues around student equity, well-being, and social-emotional learning. While there are no easy answers, we hope this resource, which is free and open to all users, serves as a basis for impactful collaboration and decision-making as schools move forward.
FEATURES
2 Keep It Simple, Schools
Justin Reich
To ensure equity and engagement in remote learning, schools need to zero in on key priorities, including enrichment and manageable projects.
6 Restoring Connection: Real-Life Advice on Transitioning to Online Learning
Anthony Rebora
Distance-learning expert Mike Flynn shares tips on moving to teaching online in a difficult time.
10 Successfully Taking Offline Classes Online
Catlin R. Tucker
How to build community and create student-centered lessons.
16 Accommodations, Modifications, and Intervention at a Distance
Lee Ann Jung
To support special education students during school shutdowns, educators need close coordination and a focus on what matters most.
22 Maintaining Connections, Reducing Anxiety While School Is Closed
Jessica Minahan
Teachers can play a huge role in helping students with anxiety or trauma histories feel safe—even from a distance.
28 Seven Steps for Districts Navigating to Remote Learning
Michael B. Horn
School districts must keep students’ needs and individual circumstances front and center.
32 L.A. in Action: A Multi-Pronged Approach to Distance Learning
Anthony Rebora
How the nation’s second largest school district is retooling to continue instruction and support students in need.
34 ASCD Community in Action
District PD directors discuss the tools they are using to support professional learning amid school shutdowns.
36 Three Strategies for Better Online Discussions
Michael B. Sherry
Classroom discussions in distance-learning settings are different, but can be no less powerful.
38 A Brave New World: A Teacher’s Take on Surviving Distance Learning
Alexis Wiggins
How to preserve your curriculum—and sanity—in this unprecedented time.
42 Cybersecurity Guidelines for Remote Learning
Tara Laskowski
Technology keeps us connected to our students—but how can we ensure it’s safe?
43 To Grade or Not to Grade?
Joe Feldman
How districts can enact fair and equitable grading policies during the coronavirus closures.
47 Teacher Collaboration During a Global Pandemic
Andrea Honigsfeld and Jon Nordmeyer
Five ideas for virtual planning from international educators.
51 Why COVID-19 Is Our Equity Check
Dena Simmons
With students dispersed, schools and our society must confront long-simmering inequities.
54 Tell Us About . . .
Parents share what’s working in remote learning.