Disclaimer

Students will still have the option to attend school in person or online (even a mix of both for whichever circumstances), allowing them to learn at their own pace. As long as they remain responsible for their work and participation, this flexibility ensures that every student can thrive in the learning environment that best suits their needs. In general as this is common knowledge, students will still have to be responsible with their schoolwork, both in person or online. 

What students are impacted?

The lack of access to online schooling impacts a variety of students, especially those who have (but not limited to) health issues, anxiety, or trouble thriving in traditional classroom settings. Students who are sick are often forced to attend school and risk spreading illnesses, or they miss important instruction while recovering. With online schooling as an option, students wouldn’t have to choose between their health and their education. Additionally, families who need more flexibility in scheduling would benefit from a hybrid model, and teachers would see reduced classroom overcrowding, leading to more focused learning environments.

What is at stake?

Without the option of online schooling, students who thrive in remote settings will continue to face unnecessary hurdles. However, if online learning is reintroduced, students could choose what works best for them such as attending in person for certain activities like crucial testing, while completing daily coursework online. This flexibility would make education more inclusive, allowing students to keep up with their studies even when sick or dealing with personal issues. If we fail to act, many students will be forced into a rigid system that doesn’t address their individual needs, causing long term impacts on their mental health and academic success, which is not the goal for the Board of Education.

Why is now the time to act?

Now is a great time to bring back online schooling because we already have the technology and experience from the pandemic to implement it effectively, we are used to online schooling. Providing students the choice between online and in-person learning gives them the chance to learn in a way that suits their needs, while still attending school for testing or other hands-on activities when necessary. Acting now ensures that students don’t have to miss valuable lessons when they’re sick and that no one is left behind due to the one size fits all, narrowly catered education system. This change would create a more helpful, flexible educational environment for everyone involved.

 

Additionally..

For the teachers who prefer traditional methods, there are challenges in adapting to online formats once again since many are accustomed to handing out physical assignments, grading paper tests, and relying on face to face interactions. The resistance from these teachers comes from a belief that traditional methods are more effective for maintaining discipline and focus, or simply because they find the technology intimidating or hard to get by. However, there are still solutions that can help bridge this gap while maintaining efficiency.

We use digital worksheets, which are created to mirror traditional paper formats, but allow students to type directly into them, making it quicker for both the student to complete and the teacher to grade. Depending on what the student does, they may even be able to get the paper itself, or see the assignment online, write it out, take a picture of their paper assignment and submit it. 

On top of that, teachers can also more receive training and support to feel more comfortable with the reintroduction of these online tools, making it easier for them to blend traditional methods with technology in a way that maintains their preferred teaching style but also improves efficiency for both sides of students (those who attend and not attend)  and for teachers.

Schools can also implement device loan programs and partner with local internet providers to offer free or discounted access to students in need (device access or reliable internet connection). Many districts already have programs in place from the pandemic, and expanding these resources ensures no student is left behind. Additionally, providing students the option to come to school for specific activities gives those without access at home more opportunities to stay connected.

Schools may also implement other things for this adaptation to online once again such as professional development for teachers, blended learning models, online resource centers, increased access to technology, flexible assignment submission options, regular check-ins and support, utilization of games (schools use games such as Kahoot, Blooket, ABCya!, Baamboozle, Quizlet, Gimkit, ect.) parental involvement, mental health resources, structured schedules and routines, peer collaboration opportunities, feedback and assessment tools, ect.

 

Thank YOU! :)

We thank you, the reader for your attention and support! We appreciate the signers as well for your commitment to creating a positive, improved and adaptable learning environment for all students!