- We start the week with your periodic reminder that decisions that are expedient for decisionmakers (even when they’re emergency-enhanced) are not always in the best interests of the folks downstream. You know, the ones actually affected by those decisions. (Columbus Dispatch, 4/6/20)
- The Dispatch today posted dueling editorials regarding education in the time of shutdown. Well, I say “dueling”, but they are more like two folks harmonizing from the same hymn book. First up – don’t worry about technology or even learning and go old school to support kids during the shutdown (Columbus Dispatch, 4/6/20) Second – online learning could probably help, but maybe in the next shutdown. But not now. (Columbus Dispatch, 4/6/20)
- But what of those folks for whom online schooling is not the future, but the now? For better or worse, those schools and districts who have already had at least one foot in the digital learning world —especially the fully online charter schools who have been doing this all day every day with every kid for years—are now the pioneers. More to the point, they are like the nerds who you wouldn’t have asked to the prom but who are suddenly looking a lot more attractive now that you need to get your laptop up and running ASAP. (Dayton Daily News, 4/5/20) It is also great to hear about a special education teacher in Geauga County who has been taking her classes online already. At least to me. (News5, Cleveland, 4/4/20)
- A good example of district-level effort is Gahanna-Jefferson City Schools here in central Ohio. They began their 1:1 technology initiative two years ago so now every student from grades 2 to 12 have Chromebooks. This allowed the district to plan for and execute their original eight-day schedule of distance learning…which has now turned into 38 days. And maybe more. is the best. (ThisWeek News, 4/6/20) It was noted in the Gahanna story that school lunch provision has continued (and will continue) unabated during the shutdown…except for during the previously-scheduled spring break. During that time, a volunteer group took over. The same thing is about to happen in Akron City Schools, just without the scheduled volunteer replacements. Is this because they believe all the kids will be away in Florida? No, it’s because, as the ACS supe says in a press release, “we encourage all students and staff to take time away to slow down, recharge and spend time with family.” During a 24/7 lockdown. When we’re all cooped up together all day every day. Does that logic strike anyone else as odd? Nope? Just me, then. (Akron Beacon Journal, 4/2/20)
- Speaking of Akron City Schools, the long-promised documentary on the first year of the district’s I Promise School is now with us. Rather than a film, it is a 15-episode series launched as part of the first slate of the brand new Quibi streaming service. Here is a quick review of the “I Promise” series, courtesy of the ABJ’s TV critic. The service will cost $5 per month with ads, and $8 without them, although this piece does note that Quibi is (was?) offering a 90-day free trial…for those who sign up before the launch date. Which is today. (Akron Beacon Journal, 4/6/20)
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