There is not one right response or plan for school closures. Each school community faces different needs, contexts, and situations. And we know in some regions of our beautiful state, access to high speed internet and digital devices are limited.<\/p>\n

So, not all #vted schools are going to have the same plans for remote learning. Some communities will have access, some won\u2019t.\u00a0 We will need to constantly work on addressing these inequities now and well into the future.<\/p>\n

But for right now, we wanted to share with you a plan to continue learning with limited internet or device access.\u00a0 How can we make sure that all students have opportunities to connect, learn and grow while away from school?<\/p>\n

Today, we will take you through setting up a school plan and share an example from White River Valley Middle School, and how they are centering students and equity as much as possible in this fast moving, quick changing situation.<\/p>\n

5 things to consider when designing a plan for distance\/out of school learning:<\/h4>\n

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1. Access<\/strong>.<\/strong> Remember that not all students have access to online learning platforms. When designing learning activities consider multiple access points including the almighty paper and pencil and email. (Don\u2019t forget about postal service!)<\/li>\n
2. Support<\/strong>.<\/strong> If we apply what we know, students\u2019 support at home can vary. Given many parents maybe working from home as a recommendation of social distancing. Their attention and support might need to be spread across many domains. Consider learning opportunities that students will be self-directed or with minimal support.<\/li>\n
3. Resources<\/strong>. We cannot assume that students have access to resources or materials when at home. When thinking about asking them to create or build something the materials they have access to may vary. Please consider a menu of options where they could or could not choose to build or create.<\/li>\n
4. Communication<\/strong>.<\/strong> Schools strive to be an inclusive community. Communication is key to a sense of belonging and support. Remember, not all students have access to online interfaces. Please consider multiple types of communication including online but also phone or snail mail. Also, educators who also may be at home might have other responsibilities to pay attention too. Just a consideration.<\/li>\n
5. Use existing structures<\/strong>.<\/strong> Many hands make light work. How might you use existing structures to support this transition? Advisory might be a great way to keep an already cohesive group feeling connected and supported.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

   Everyone needs to come together right now, to feel connection and support.<\/h4>\n

   Families need your leadership and your voice in saying that education will continue, though in a much different way, while the school is physically closed and remote learning is in place. Families and caregivers need to know that the school is working hard to make sure that children are cared for, given opportunities to connect and to learn.<\/p>\n

   The faculty at White River Valley Middle School (Bethel) developed a plan that takes many of these into account. Their plan dissolves the boundaries of subject specific disciplines and focuses on learning.<\/p>\n

   The brain is a muscle and the goal is to continue to exercise that muscle in this time transition.<\/p>\n

   We all recognize that the immediate future will just look different. How different? We\u2019re not sure, yet!<\/p>\n

   Connection with students<\/h4>\n

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