LM Sept 2020

September 2020 LeadershipMatters

BACK TO SCHOOL Superintendent Check-In Nine School Leaders Share Successes and Challenges with Reopening Schools

Student Residency in the Era of COVID-19

Remote Learning Rescue Series 2.0: New and Improved

4

SUPERINTENDENT CHECK-IN

IASA asked nine superintendents from nine different IASA regions (three in person, three remote, three hybrid) five questions about the return to school. We hope their answers provide insight into what has worked well with reopening plans, what has been harder than expected and what are the silver linings. Also, each superintendent shares how he or she has managed stress during this unprecedented time.

IASA Legal Corner: Student Residency in the Era of COVID-19

7

IASA News in Brief: Secret Service Protecting Schools; Golden Apple Accelerators Program Eases Teacher Shortage

10

Elevating Education Features Dr. Alicia Geddis of Danville CCSD #118 and Dr. Hank Thiele of CHSD #99

9

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Before School Starts 17

IASA Remote Learning Rescue Series 2.0 New and Improved

13

Volume 8, Issue 6 September 2020 LeadershipMatters 20156 Jason Nevel Director of Social Media and Publications jnevel@iasaedu.org

2648 Beechler Court Springfield, IL 62703-7305 217.753.2213 800 Woodfield Road, Ste. F109 Schaumburg, IL 60173-4717 847.466.5075

Marjorie Gladish Graphic Designer mgladish@iasaedu.org

1200 West Main Street Marion, IL 62959-1138 618.364.0501

www.iasaedu.org

Scan here with your phone’s QR code reader to get the IASA APP— Don’t have a QR reader? Go to or and search for IllinoisASA.

2

Message From the Executive Director Sharing Ideas and Staying Connected isMore Important Than Ever

Dr. Brent Clark

Hybrid: Communicate Expectations Dr. Genevra Walters, superintendent of Kankakee SD #111, was one of the first leaders in the state to release a reopening plan, which provided students different options for school. Recently, the governor imposed more strict restrictions in her region due to rising positivity rates that raised questions about what that would mean for the district. Dr. Walters has tried to get out in front of new challenges by communicating the expectation that the district only plans to go remote if the governor forces it to. She also realizes she needs to be flexible and agile with plans and make changes to protect the health and safety of students along the way. I realize circumstances in your community might be different, but the general idea of communicating expectations will help when faced with new obstacles. Remote: Stay Connected with Students Edwin Shoemate, superintendent of Cobden USD #17, raised a good point in the webinar about teachers staying connected to students during remote learning. He noted some teachers have visited students one-on-one in a socially distanced and safe manner. This won’t be practical for all students, but I liked the idea how teachers tried to meet with some students at least one time in person, even during remote learning. Stay safe, and I wish you the best as we embark on a new school year. It will be the toughest school year any of us have ever faced but, remember, you are built for this.

One of the ways IASA can support its members is by connecting school administrators across the state. When the pandemic hit, connecting and sharing ideas, resources, strategies and reopening plans became more important than ever. The challenges superintendents face are too large for any one person to overcome. Late last month, IASA launched the Illinois Schools Step Up Webinar Series and gave 12 superintendents—four in person, four hybrid and four remote plans—a platform to share with their peers how they planned to reopen school, what has worked well and what could have been done better. As a way to continue IASA’s efforts of connecting members and sharing ideas—in this issue we also launched a new series, Superintendent Check-In, where nine superintendents discuss reopening school—I want to highlight three takeaways I had from the series that could be helpful for you this school year. Recordings of the webinars can be found on IASA website in the Illinois Schools Step Up Toolkit. In Person: Don’t Forget About Privacy Dr. Gabe Schwemmer, superintendent of Sparta CUSD #140, shared how two positive tests in her district forced her to make one of her buildings fully remote. When that happened, she explained, there was clamoring from people both inside and outside of her district to identify the individuals who tested positive. Schools can, and maybe should for purposes of transparency, report overall numbers (one way to do this is via the ECRA Strategic Dashboard), but providing names of individuals could backfire. School leaders need to keep in mind the same rules about privacy still apply during a pandemic. Hopefully, your local health department will assist with contact tracing and help identify those individuals in close contact with the person who tested positive and communicate with them directly. It will probably look a little different in each community how that will play out, but sticking with that process and communicating that process will be important.

3 LM September 2020

BACK TO SCHOOL

It’s more important than ever for superintendents to support each other and not face the challenges of the pandemic alone. One way school leaders can help each other is to share successes and obstacles with their peers. IASA asked nine superintendents from nine different IASA regions (three in person, three remote, three hybrid) five questions about the return to school. We hope their answers provide insight into what has worked well with reopening plans, what has been harder than expected and what are the silver linings. Click on the “View Responses” link below each superintendent to see their answers to these five questions: 4. 5. Superintendent Check-In What were the successes of your reopening plan? What is one thing you wish you would have changed? Has there been anything you thought you were prepared for, but it turned out to be harder than expected? Have there been any silver linings? What advice do you have for fellow superintendents on dealing with and managing stress associated with the job right now? 1. 2. 3.

HYBRID/BLENDED

Dr. Anna Alvarado Northwest

David Engelbrecht Kishwaukee Marengo CHSD #154 Enrollment: 681 Type: 9–12

Dr. Jason Henry Egyptian Sesser-Valier CUSD #196

Freeport SD #145 Enrollment: 3,939 Type: preK–12

Enrollment: 636 Type: preK–12

VIEW RESPONSES

VIEW RESPONSES

VIEW RESPONSES

4

LM September 2020

IN-PERSON

Dr. Merryl Brownlow Cook South Palos Heights SD #128* Enrollment: 715 Type: preK–8

Dr. Julie Bullard Shawnee Anna CCSD #37 Enrollment: 723 Type: preK–8

Brett Elliott Blackhawk Stark County CUSD #100

Enrollment: 708 Type: preK–12

VIEW RESPONSES

VIEW RESPONSES

VIEW RESPONSES

REMOTE

Dr. Marcus Alexander Three Rivers Pembroke CCSD #259 Enrollment: 208 Type: preK–8

Jesse Brandt Starved Rock Hall HSD #502 Enrollment: 462 Type: 9–12

Arnett Harvey Southwestern Cahokia CUSD #187 Enrollment: 3,365 Type: preK–12

VIEW RESPONSES

VIEW RESPONSES

VIEW RESPONSES

5

* Palos Heights SD#128 just transitioned to Remote Learning September 1.

LM September 2020

Focus Your Time and Energy on Students

2020-21 Senate Bill 7 Performance Rankings Tool software improves efficiency by generating reports needed to comply with SB 7 and related laws.

School districts face enormous challenges this year. Compliance with Senate Bill 7 doesn’t have to be an obstacle. IASA’s Senate Bill 7 Performance Rankings Tool improves efficiency in your district by generating reports needed to comply with Senate Bill 7 and other related laws, freeing you up to focus your time and energy more on supporting your students and staff. The program provides districts a method of managing district positions aligned to local qualifications, teacher’s credentials and performance ratings. It’s proven, affordable and used by districts across the state.

http://www.iasasurveys.org Affordable The cost of using this software has never increased. The annual licensing fee is $275 for members and $550 for non-members. Find the access request form at: What’s new? The 2020–2021 file has been enhanced with updates in response to user ideas and is ready for you to purchase and download. It’s never been easier!

“The single spreadsheet created by the SB 7 tool simplifies the categorization of large groups of staff for multifunction use from reports to communication of ratings. ”

—Dr. Scott Wakely, Superintendent Bradley-Bourbonnais CHSD #307

20153

Please note that previous versions of the IASA Senate Bill 7 Performance Rankings File are no longer supported. Also, the service method for the 2020–2021 software will be via email only.

This software was originally reviewed by the Senate Bill 7 teams from the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) and the Illinois Education Association (IEA). The 2020–2021 version of this software builds on the knowledge gained from hundreds of users.

LegalCorner

Back-To-School Legal Guidance

Chad Watkins IASA Associate Director/General Counsel

To help school leaders navigate these uncertain times, IASA has partnered with leading law firms throughout Illinois to provide districts with critical guidance during the 2020–21 school year. In every issue of Leadership Matters, the IASA Legal Corner will showcase an article, sometimes several articles, written by attorneys who specialize in legal matters related to education. We have also begun a monthly legal issues podcast to discuss some of your most vital concerns. It is our hope you find the content insightful,

timely and helpful in addressing the critical matters you face. This month, Hodges, Loizzi, Eisenhammer, Rodick & Kohn LLP writes about student residency in the era of COVID-19. The author is attorney Kaitlin Atlas. As a reminder, the articles are provided for informational purposes only, and you are advised to contact your district counsel for legal advice. Click on the link below to access the article.

Student Residency in the Era of COVID-19

Determining Residency Of course, only a student who is a “resident” of the district can attend tuition-free. Typically, this means that a student is a resident of the district in which his parent or legal guardian resides. There are, however, other factors which may influence the student’s residency. As such, districts must make five critical determinations when registering a student: 1) Whether the student is eligible for special education services.... (continue reading)...

COVID-19 has impacted every area of school operations and student residency is no exception. School districts face verifying the residency of newly registered and returning students at the start of each new school year; but 2020 is anything but a usual school year. To help you in this process, we will look at best practice tips for verifying student residency, and the wrinkles involved in verifying student residency during the COVID-19 pandemic.

7 LM September 2020

That perfect candidate.

We can help you find the one you’re searching for.

Did you know... ...more than 80,000 job seekers may visit the IASA Illinois Education Job Bank SM in one month? Avoid national sites that cost more and are not tailored to Illinois educators. The IASA Illinois Education Job Bank SM is trusted by superintendents across the state and makes finding qualified applicants to fill permanent, interim, part or full- time vacancies easy. Still not sure? With IASA’s Illinois Education Job Bank SM you can: • Set up the RSS feed option to automatically post your district’s vacancy to your district website • The Job Bank SM is set up to automatically send an email notice “As a Superintendent, the IASA Illinois Education Job Bank SM has been an invaluable tool in connecting with a diverse group of highly qualified applicants for our open positions.”

to your ROE when a position is posted • Easily flag your favorite applicants • Create job posting templates to save you time in the future

—Dr. Terri Bresnahan Supt., Berkeley SD #87

SEARCH | FILTER | POST | SEE ALERTS | MANAGE YOUR PROFILE AND DOCUMENTS | VIEW HISTORY

If you have any questions about the IASAJob Bank SM or new feature criteria, contact Ashleigh Knudson at 217–753–2213.

20152

Education Elevat g We continue our series highlighting tremendous educators across Illinois who have given their time and energy to ele- vating the superintendency and public education as a whole. Each month, we will feature two educators who are going the extra mile and truly making a difference beyond their school districts and local communities. While we are aware of many of the contributions administrators are making, we are open to any suggestions for someone to feature next month. To make a recommendation, contact Jason Nevel, IASA Director of Social Media and Publications, at jnevel@iasaedu.org or by calling 217–753–2213. Dr. Hank Thiele CHSD#99 Dr. AliciaGeddis Danville CCSD#118

Who: Dr. Alicia Geddis, superintendent What: National advocate to end food insecurity; Eastern Illinois Foodbank advisor; Boys and Girls Club advisor during pandemic; IASA New Superintendents Conference; Radio Teacher Talk Time. Where: Danville CCSD #118, Illini. When: Superintendent at Danville CCSD

Who: Dr. Hank Thiele, superintendent What: Strong advocate and supporter of school districts during pandemic; Presented at IASA Annual Conference; Member of IASA Professional Development Committee; Leader in helping districts close the homework gap. Where: CHSD #99, DuPage Region.

When: Superintendent at CHSD #99 since 2016; Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning Maine Township HSD #207 from 2013–2016. Why: The COVID-19 pandemic thrusted superintendents into unfamiliar territory—the junction between what was happening in state and federal government, in local communities and with school boards. It created enormous pressure for superintendents, who also had to manage and communicate with stakeholders about rapidly changing guidance. “I started to realize people truly didn’t understand the time and effort superintendents were putting into the work this summer,” Dr. Thiele says. “I felt I needed to speak out.” Dr. Thiele articulated the complex challenges schools faced in media interviews, helping raise awareness. In Downers Grove, the administration and board received

#118 since 2015; Deputy superintendent and chief financial advisor at Dolton SD #149 from 2012–2015. Why: Every stop in her career in education, Dr. Geddis has recognized a common theme. “Hunger has been a pervasive challenge,” she says. “Finding ways to feed children is a deep passion of mine and an issue I have tried to elevate and mentor school leaders on.” Dr. Geddis first recognized how food insecurity can disrupt a student’s ability to learn when she was a graduate student in Tennessee. She was so passionate about finding solutions to the problem that she wrote her dissertation on food insecurity and has made it a major part of her life’s work. “My work has focused on finding money for schools and food for our children,” she says. “Anyone who knows me, I am going to find a way to feed students. If Susie is hungry, she’s not going to pay attention or be happy. It starts there.”

9

continued on page 11...

continued on page 11...

LM September 2020

NewsInBrief

US Secret ServiceThreat Assessment TeamTraining

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, in a unique collaboration with the U.S. Secret Service and the Illinois School and Campus Safety Program, is inviting educators across the state to register for a free virtual event scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon on September 18. The National Threat Assessment Center training will guide participants through Enhancing School Safety Using a Threat Assessment Model , the eight-step operational guide it developed from real scenarios.

NTAC presenters will highlight specific cases to provide relevant and realistic context. The training includes the key findings from the study, Protecting America’s Schools, A U.S. Secret Service Analysis of Targeted School Violence. The report examined 41 school attacks that occurred between 2008-2017, in K-12 schools in the U.S. Click the image of the flyer at right for more details and information about how to register.

LaunchingYear 2of GoldenAppleAcceleratorsProgram

The pilot program of the first 30 Golden Apple Accelerators is underway, and the application is open for the next cohort of aspiring educators who want to transition to teaching in 22 different districts in 19 counties in southern, central and western Illinois and address Illinois’ teacher shortage.

The Accelerators program targeted and recruited career changers who hold bachelor’s degrees and college seniors not already in teacher preparation programs. Participants receive up to a $30,000 stipend to apply towards coursework or living expenses as they pursue their teaching license; coursework at a partner university; and will participate in a one-year residency and training program in a targeted partner school district in southern, central or western Illinois. Accelerators will earn their teaching license by the summer of 2022, and they will enter the

teaching profession in the 2022/2023 school year with a job placement in a partner school district. They also receive mentoring from a Golden Apple state-certified evaluator for the first two years of teaching. Accelerators commit to teaching in that partner school district for at least four years. Priority is given to schools in Tier 1 school districts; and, ideally, candidates who live in or near the community with which they will be teaching. If there are those in your community who meet the requirements, please ask them to visit https://www.goldenapple.org/accelerators. There they can both learn about the benefits of the program and apply. A virtual meeting will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, September 14 for those interested in learning more about the program. To receive an invitation to join the meeting, email Alan Mather, president of the Golden Apple Foundation, at mather@goldenapple.org. 10 LM September 2020

That passion led her to a partnership with McDonald’s. Dr. Geddis advises school districts and other organizations on how to utilize the convenience of McDonald’s restaurants nationwide as a solution for meal distribution. When the pandemic hit, Dr. Geddis became an advisor on food insecurity to the Boys and Girls Club, which oversees after school programs at many school districts. She also is an advisor to the Eastern Illinois Foodbank. In addition, Dr. Geddis is active in IASA and the IASA Illini Region. She has presented at numerous events and conferences, including IASA’s New Superintendent Conference this year. Dr. Geddis was part of a panel that shared tips and strategies on communications with school boards and community members. When schools were forced to transition to remote learning, Danville CCSD #118 partnered with Neuhoff Media to make specific periods of time each day for public school teachers to present lessons, read books and review specific material over the radio. She mentored her peers on the program, and the initiative was adopted by other school districts. “It was another way for our teachers to connect with our students who didn’t have access to the internet,” Geddis says. Elevat g Geddis ... cont’d.

Thiele ... cont’d. threats about the district’s plan to reopen schools in person for one week and then transition to remote learning. In public comments, he called for an end to divisiveness and expressed the need for patience and understanding. “I wanted people to realize we are trying to do what’s best for kids, and we don’t have all the answers,” he says. “This is a major health concern that none of us are trained for.” When guidance on reopening schools was first published, Dr. Thiele built sample schedules and shared them publicly, providing an actionable tool to help school leaders manage new challenges. “The hardest part was there was nothing to go on,” he says. “I operate on a collaborative leadership style. Nobody has a monopoly on any of this. We need to be sharing with each other.” Over the past several years, CHSD #99 has become a national leader on closing the homework gap and providing devices and internet access to all students. Dr. Thiele has trained and mentored school leaders on ways to improve internet access and technology in their districts. In addition, he has presented at the IASA Annual Conference the past four years, is a member of the IASA Professional Development Committee and is active in the education technology community.

ISDLAF+MonthlyUpdate Click here to view the most current ISDLAF+ rates, economic indicators and general economic news brief. To obtain additional information regarding this IASA sponsored service, contact Dr. Donald E. Weber, Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations/ISDLAF+ at 630–657–6435. To check daily rates, visit the ISDLAF+ website at www.isdlafplus.com.

11 LM September 2020

What is IPAC? IPAC is a statewide, non-partisan Political Action Committee (PAC) organized by members of the Illinois Association of School Administrators to benefit school leaders in the pursuit of educational excellence Why should I join ?

A copy of our report is filed with the State Board of Elections and is or will be available for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois 62704. Membership dues in IPAC are not deductible as charitable or political contributions for federal income tax purposes. Our goal is to have every IASA member become a member of IPAC as well. IPAC membership dues are $100 and 100% of that goes to support the members of the General Assembly who support us. Why should I join? School administrators need a strong PAC to provide funds to legislators and candidates who will stand up for public education. Our strength comes from providing legislators with timely and accurate information on legislative matters affecting public education. Victories and successes do not happen overnight but after years of laying the foundation for political change, and a strong IPAC helps us get a seat at the table. We must be proactive rather than reactive and one way to do this is membership in IPAC. Membership in IPAC is a long-term investment that helps lay the foundation for continued change in the legislative process. IPAC Annual Membership Dues

through continued school improvement. What is the money used for?

All IPAC membership monies are used for IPAC endeavors, which include, but are not limited to, contributions to the four legislative leaders in the General Assembly and fundraisers for individual legislators who support our educational mission. Personal checks (made out to IPAC) or personal credit cards only. Click HERE to make an online payment.

Name:_________________________________________ Employer:*________________________________________________________ Home Email Address:*____________________________________Occupation:*____________________________________________ For IPAC updates (both financial and informational) Home Address :_____________________________________________________________________ZIP:___________________________ *State law requires this information. Check # ________________ payable to “IPAC” (Personal Check only) □ Master Card □ Discover Card Card Number:______________________________________Expiration Date:_ ______________ Card Verification No.: __________ Print Cardholder’s Name:_ ______________________________________Signature:_ _______________________________________ Billing Address of cardholder, if different from above (no PO Box numbers please): Street:_ _____________________________________________________________________________ZIP:___________________________ Return this form along with your IPAC membership dues to: IPAC, 2648 Beechler Court, Springfield, IL 62703-7305 If you have questions please contact Ashleigh Knudson at 217–753–2213 or aknudson@iasaedu.org Personal Credit Card only: Charge $ _______________ to my (check one): □ Visa

20129

Professional Development

Dr. Courtney Orzel IASA Associate Director of Professional Development

What’s NewWith Remote Learning Rescue Series 2.0; IASASuperWomen Virtual Lunches Planned

The launch of the Remote Learning Rescue series went extremely well. 22 total sessions were offered over the course of two weeks with 495 participants. Testimonials included: “” “This was SO helpful for Remote Learning and just Technology options for the classroom! I would love to learn more, or dive deeper into some of these programs and resources! I know that it had to be virtual, but loved that we could do it from the comfort of our home via ZOOM. Also, liked that we had options of 2 days for each workshop or session! GREAT Prof. Development that I will be taking back to my district to share with my fellow teachers! Thanks!!”

“” “Today’s virtual conference was very informative, and I feel ready to use some of these tools with my students in a few weeks!” “I really liked all of the different options for meetings. I could cater this day of conferences to meet my needs.” “This experience was informative and some great PD that I will be using this upcoming year.”

continued on page 15...

13 LM September 2020

Have legal questions related to student privacy, special education or grading?

Don’t miss our latest podcast, Legal Concerns Related to Students. Our guest is Courtney Stillman, a partner with Hauser, Izzo, Petrarca, Gleason & Stillman, LLC. Click on the podcast icon below to listen.

Single Path & DYONYX, both industry-leading managed service providers (MSP) since 1996, oˆcially merged on March 1, 2020 The merger into DYOPATH is a natural pairing of the two companies’ complementary services & will provide immediate opportunities for all school districts.

Searching for IT support? Thinking about expanding or opening a new building & want to make sure your district has technology covered? Can’t keep up with the latest Cybersecurity requirements for education?

DYOPATH Has YOU Covered!

Advanced Security Services

Managed Services

Education Services

Professional Services

Connectivity Services

www.DYOPATH.com

1.866.609.PATH

ProfessionalDevelopment ... cont’d.

“” “I really enjoyed all of the presentations I attended. I learned so much! I have taken 32 pages of notes! I can’t wait to try many of these tips, tricks, extensions, apps, and strategies with my students.” “This was a fantastic opportunity. So many wonderful ideas to get us started this school year. I was introduced to so much that I didn’t even know existed! Thank you and I hope we’ll have more opportunities like this in the future!”

As a result, we surveyed teachers who participated to gauge what, if any, interest they had in an additional series... RemoteLearningRescueSeries2.0 The Remote Learning Rescue Series 2.0 will have three components with 44 sessions offered through November: Structure and Pedagogy. Ala Carte Menu for Districts/Schools. The Tools Workshops. What sets us apart? By designing this menu, we have reduced costs for sessions (some are $30/person for groups of teachers), and we will continue to provide the personalized PD vs. a pre-recorded sessions or webinar format. Teachers have liked the personalized 1:1 with a coach to answer questions on demand and provide feedback live to participants. Click here to Register.

Women inLeadership: IASASuperWomen

Grab your lunch and join the other IASASuperWomen superintendents in your super region for an hour of reflection, support and networking. Our goal is to host monthly super region meetings to bring us all together to share stories, connect with our colleagues and reflect on our important work. Here are the links to register: Southern Super Region

Monday, Sept. 14, Noon–1 pm Northeastern Super Region Friday, Sept. 25, Noon–1 pm Northcentral Super Region Monday, Sept. 28, Noon–1 pm

SUPERWOMEN

15 LM September 2020

Illinois Schools Step Up Toolkit

Resources to help schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Illinois Schools Step Up Toolkit on the IASA website and IASA app is the landing spot for all COVID-19 resources and guidance. What’s included:

• COVID-19 Testing Kits for schools • Joint Statement on Teacher Evaluations • Illinois Schools Step Up Webinar Series Recordings

• Information about N95 and KN95 masks • Template Letter for Positive Test • Reopening School Talking Points

Click here. Access on IASA website

Access on IASA app or download the app to your mobile device if you haven’t yet

OR

20164

Rethinking Parent Teacher Conferences: WhyOur District Elected To Have ThemBefore Students Returned To School

Dr. John Petzke, Superintendent Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD #3

With all of the uncertainty surrounding students returning to school for the 2020–21 school year, Prophetstown-Lyndon- Tampico CUSD #3, a district of about 800 PreK–12 grade students located in rural Whiteside county, began its planning efforts by engaging the community about possible return-to- school efforts. When the 2020–21 Return to School plan was finally adopted by the School Board on August 5, it included about 80 percent of students attending school on a blended A/B hybrid rotation. Half the students, Group A, would attend school in person on Monday and Tuesday and participate in remote learning from home for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The other half of students, Group B, would participate in remote learning from home on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and attend school in person on Thursday and Friday. In addition to the A/B rotation students, 20 percent of students and families elected to participate 100 percent in remote learning from home, at least until the end of the first quarter, October 16. The district offered this option as some students are immunocompromised, or the families had real concerns about students returning to in-person learning. And, finally, the last 20 percent of students and families elected to participate in five-day in-person learning at the school. As it turns out, some families, mostly due to family situations, work schedules or day care options, need to have their students attend school five days per week. With three different options for student attendance, Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD #3 decided to schedule parent-teacher conferences on Wednesday, August 18th and Thursday, August 19th before the students attended school for the first day on August 24th. At these conferences, parents were able to meet one-on-one with their classroom teachers, ask questions about their student attendance options and raise questions or concerns before students return to school on Monday, August 24th.

The conferences helped lighten the anxiety and uncertainty parents and students had about returning to school. Meeting in their classrooms, parents and students were able to see how the room was arranged and what social distancing might look like in a classroom space. In addition, families could pick up school provided PPE equipment, classroom materials and chromebooks that would be needed as they looked at starting school. One unanticipated benefit of holding parent-teacher conferences before the start of school was the impact it had on teachers. Students had not attended school since March 17th, and the emergency remote learning in the spring is quite a bit different than what teachers have been planning all summer. Not only were teachers re-energized by connecting with students and families, but the conferences gave teachers an opportunity to share their plans and expectations for what the district has titled Remote Learning 2.0. A much different and engaging learning experience for students and families as we begin the 2020–21 school year - a school year unlike any other!

17 LM September 2020

81% of teachers feel uncertain about the transition to remote learning . They’re looking to you for guidance and reassurance. Take this opportunity to lead your team to success. Discover Blackboard Unite for K-12. The comprehensive solution for remote learning that supports virtual teaching, encourages online collaboration with students, and informs parents with safe communication. *

*March 2020 research commissioned by University of Phoenix and conducted by Edelman Intelligence

Chad Arnold Account Executive chad.arnold@blackboard.com (615) 305-0243

Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online