What does ‘attendance’ mean for remote learners in a pandemic? How 106 districts are dealing with absenteeism, student engagement & grades
Our analysis of reopening plans in 106 large, high-profile districts finds that they have taken student engagement and attendance far more seriously this fall than they did after schools first closed last spring. But many school systems have struggled to create consistent rules, especially for remote learners.
We reviewed the school reopening plans for 106 districts around the country. Here’s how they square with reality
Perhaps as to be expected, districts’ already lackluster plans for the start of school have been beset by execution challenges, confusing and tardy federal guidance, and barriers to student access.
As many school districts reopen virtually, the opportunity gap widens for students living in poverty
As students and teachers begin the new school year, the opportunity gap for students living in poverty is likely to be wider than ever.
How 18 top charter school networks are refining remote learning for the fall
Eighteen leading charter school organizations are strengthening curriculum offerings and modifying schedules — although their plans are less detailed than districts’ on remote learning improvements or lessons learned from the spring.
Students experiencing homelessness are largely invisible in school reopening plans
The needs of students experiencing homelessness have been neglected in both the national dialogue on the impact of pandemic-related school closures and school districts’ plans for remote learning.
We reviewed 86 districts’ reopening plans for the 2020-21 school year. Here’s some of what we found
Remote learning is no longer an unprecedented mode of delivery for most schools across America. For many students returning to class in the coming weeks, it will be back to school online.
More districts opt for virtual learning; Senate HEALS Act out of touch with public health reality
After reviewing the latest plans from 106 districts and 18 charter management organizations—which serve over 10 million students—it’s clear that although many districts had been planning to open in-person on a regular or hybrid/rotating schedule, their plans have changed.
More districts are going remote; will they avoid spring’s missteps?
As districts and states grapple with whether and how to bring students back into classrooms, academic planning is getting short shrift and vulnerable groups, such as students experiencing homelessness and English language learners, appear to be especially shortchanged in district planning.
First District Reopening Plans Illuminate Tradeoffs and Confusion In Politically Charged Environment
Last week, school reopening was thrust into the national and political spotlight as President Donald Trump polarized the issue and Betsy DeVos, his education secretary, threatened to divert federal funding from schools that do not open in-person. Districts and states have been slow to release much detail on what to expect in the fall, but […]
Districts Are Missing an Opportunity to Innovate as Most Take Traditional Approaches to Summer School
Note from the authors: We share our most recent COVID-19 findings during a critical moment, as the recurring impact of systemic violence against Black people devastates our communities and the nation. As we work to inform efforts to build a more equitable education system, we must acknowledge the pain wrought by these injustices. After three […]