As today kicks off the official start of a school year unlike any other, what exactly does a virtual first day of school look like?
Members of the Nashville Charter Collaborative announced earlier this month that, like all Metro Nashville public schools, they would start the school year remotely, until at least Labor Day. Nashville’s charter public schools, which began a robust distance learning plan this spring, immediately after schools began to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic, have committed to tailoring distance learning and wrap-around support programs to meet the specific needs of the families they serve. Here’s what that looks like at three local schools:
Teachers from STRIVE Collegiate Academy participate virtually in the first day of professional development for the 2020-21 school year.
At STRIVE Collegiate Academy, all middle school students are given a Tech Pack, which includes a Chromebook, a charger, and a STRIVE computer bag along with all the virtual information parents and students need to be successful. STRIVE teachers and staff spent nearly the last month in training on how to utilize the school’s distance learning platforms, including Google classroom, Zoom, and Nearpod.
In preparation for seeing students, teachers have created a set of clear expectations for virtual learning called the “Classroom We Want.” All classes will be live, and students will log on at the time of their class and participate as they would in-person. In an effort to replicate STRIVE’s community and culture in a virtual setting, students will be encouraged to log on and join a smaller homeroom for the first 30 minutes of their day. And if students are struggling with any subject, virtual office hours are available daily for any subject.
LEAD Public Schools’ virtual learning program will include live online classes with teachers, as well as recorded lessons that can be referenced by students at their own learning pace. All LEAD students receive Chromebooks as part of their back-to-school packets and the network has tech services available for families experiencing any difficulties.
As much as possible, distance learning will be modeled after the in-person school vision for great teaching and the normal student experience. For example, middle and high school students will begin their remote school day at the same time as their in-person schools begin. Students will receive at least four hours of remote live instruction each day, concentrated in the morning. The afternoons will consist of providing support and opt-in learning experiences through opportunities like clubs, office hours and related arts activities that students can choose to engage with as time allows. You can read more about LEAD’s remote learning plan here.
Students at KIPP Nashville schools can expect a robust distance learning program with daily group and individual instruction. Classes will be recorded so students who may have to miss the live instruction can watch later on, and students can revisit the material if they need extra review. Every student gets a Chromebook and families who need one, receive a mobile hotspot. All students also get a bag of school supplies based on which grade they’re in. Throughout the school week, there is time built into the schedule so each student will receive one-on-one time with their teachers, including individualized instruction. As during a typical in-person school year, teachers will have regular communication with parents about their students’ learning progress.
