What will Texas Public Schools Look like in the Fall?
According to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), Texas public schools will have different options to begin bringing students back to classrooms in the fall. However, there are many things to consider before that happens, and every educator has a role to play. What are you doing to to prepare for schools to open in the Fall?
Some will have staggered schedules
Some might have students show up at school like normal while others continue their coursework online
Some might just remain completely virtual until 2021
With so many unknowns and continuously changing data, Texas school superintendents are starting to game out how public education will look in the fall for their student. What will be the impact of inconsistent plans for Texas Schools to reopen in the Fall?
Inconsistent food service for students
Inequities in computers and student learning resources
Inconsistent instruction and learning experiences
Expanding learning gaps
Problematics home situations for some students
Teacher shortages
Recent state guidance has encouraged many Texas school districts to prioritize in-person summer school for the at-risk students with the greatest academic needs. So what should Texas school district do to avoid the problems in the fall?
Open up schools for limited summer programs to learn how to implement safety measures before schools opens back up in early August
Work with neighboring school districts to provide a consistent regional approach to reopening in the fall
School boards should approve alternative academic calendars that build in extended breaks to accommodate for a potential COVID-19 flair up in the fall
Ramp up targeted Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives
Implement high quality instructional material that work in blended learning environments
Focus on instructional resources and training for parents working with students in online classes
We will have school in the Fall, but the questions remain how and with what effectiveness. Texas can’t afford to waste any time this summer to prepare for the fall. What are you doing to to prepare for schools to open in the Fall?
Leave a comment about what else we should consider.
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Dual Credit and COVID-19: How to Help Your Students Thrive in An Online Environment
Navigating dual credit college courses as a high school student can be full of challenges. Still, with most colleges and universities switching to online classes under the current COVID-19 pandemic, it can be seen as a nearly insurmountable challenge. Actually, online courses present a challenge for most students because it requires discipline, organization, and resourcefulness, all of which must be cultivated over time. The new reality for many dual credit students today is that there is no time to fully develop the necessary skills before diving into a semester of online courses exclusively.
You can help your dual credit student tremendously by supporting them to implement these three simple steps designed to help high school students survive and thrive in an all-online dual credit course environment.
1. Establish and stick to routines
Online students need structure, and a study calendar is a great way to create it together. Paper or digital, the type of calendar doesn’t matter as long as students track their daily and weekly schedules. To get started, help your high school schooler establish a daily routine for getting the day started. Maybe he likes to start the day with exercise, meditation, or journaling. Regardless of how he begins the day, make sure he develops a simple routine and sticks with it. Once he has added a daily routine to his calendar, have him check his syllabus for assignments and assessments to add to his schedule, committing to the due dates. Don’t forget to have him include time to study, practice, and review course material.
2. Communicate often and early
One drawback of online classes is the convenience and flexibility that the courses provide as students access course materials at any time. However, that flexibility can be dangerous because students could be tempted to only check-in when the course materials are due. In many ways, freedom can lead to bad habits of procrastination and making excuses. Don’t let flexibility become a barrier for your student; instead, have them create the structure they need by scheduling a regular check-in time with their instructor over assignments, assessments, and course performance. If he struggles or falls behind, encourage him not to stay silent. Encourage him to reach out immediately to his high school counselor and college instructor to share his specific challenges and to seek assistance. There is nothing worse than seeing a student struggle, not knowing that the instructor is willing and able to provide support and guidance to eliminate their problems.
3. Look Back and Ahead
Knowing what is due weeks from now, not just the next day, can help students maximize their time. Guide your student to make a habit of doing a daily and weekly review where he looks ahead to identify upcoming assignments and deadlines for important tasks. However, he shouldn’t forget to examine a couple of days back to make sure he doesn’t miss anything that needs urgent attention. The more he reviews his schedule, the less likely he will miss an assignment or task, and the more likely he will be able to keep up with a realistic workload.
Don’t let the autonomy and flexibility presented by online dual credit courses be an excuse for your student to crash and burn this semester. Take advantage of the opportunities offered this semester to help your high school student develop the discipline, organization, and resourcefulness needed to thrive in any dual credit course. For a bright future in an all-online dual credit environment, help your student implement the practical strategies of establishing and sticking to routines, communicating often and early, and always looking back and ahead.
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