The school closures are obviously the largest education story related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). With these closures, the main issue that arises is the loss of instruction. Students are no longer in front of teachers every day. Schools have come up with makeshift e-learning plans. Some of them may even include live instruction…
The COVID-19 pandemic has turned 2020 upside down. Many people have called the situation we are facing unprecedented. Although there are many situations that are new, some situations remain the same. Students who lacked access to certain resources are still going without those resources. There are too many students who don’t have access to technology…
Every ten years, beginning in 1790, a census has taken place in the United States. Census data helps determines what happens in our communities. One of the most important parts of our community is our schools. On the United States Census 2020 website’s community impact page, this “Did you know?” was shared: Census results affect…
I’m an educator, but I’m also a parent of a child with a 504. There has been a lot of confusion lately from both teachers and parents about how services for students with IEPs, ILPs, and 504s will continue while schools are closed. An ILP (individual learning plan) outlines services for English language learners. An…
If parents suspected there were issues at their children’s school, those issues might stand out even more now that parents have been tasked with helping their children with e-learning. Some school leaders knew there were issues, but they haven’t received the help they needed. I remember when I learned that we were moving away from…
Behind every teacher, there are instructional assistants, cafeteria workers, custodians, and other classified staff members working diligently to keep schools running smoothly. In a typical public school, non-teachers comprise almost half of the workforce. While teachers and certified staff are typically paid on salary, classified staff are generally paid hourly when school is in session….
During a press conference yesterday Dr. Jennifer McCormick, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction, shared that her office was working with FSSA to expand child care options in the state. Although schools were ordered to close, child care providers were labeled as essential and are able to operate. Some did close when schools closed because their…
The foundation of a successful school is the relationship between parents and teachers. When this relationship is solid, there is an increased possibility of student success. Unfortunately, too many teachers and administrators have shared that parent engagement is an area of improvement. Initiatives are created, efforts are made, but at some point, school staff count…
It warms my heart to see the support for the schools and the children during this difficult time. There has even been support for families around ensuring the children have food for the weeks they are out of school. Many technology companies are waiving fees for their products to ease the burden and help with…
I learned yesterday that Indiana, along with a host of other states such as Kansas, Florida, Ohio, California, Colorado, Washington State, and Texas, have all waived the state test for this school year. Back on March 13, I know you all were seeking a waiver from the Governor to do the same. Let me make…