The bottom line is school, as we once knew it, has changed. When COVID-19 happened, schools tried to use technology to mimic the school atmosphere as it has always been. Many schools followed the same bell schedule, simply "logging" in verses "walking" into the classroom. This proved to be ineffective, and students were disengaged. School Heads may be reluctant to eliminate synchronous learning because it helps occupy a student's time. However, it’s vital to implement concepts in a hybrid learning model.
Your Questions Answered: Distance Learning in Private Schools
Since the spring, most schools have gotten a handle on how distance learning works. Technological and practical obstacles have largely been overcome. However, the long-term concerns about conducting an education experience via a computer are now coming to the forefront. We recently answered some frequently asked questions about distance learning.
Teachers Weigh In on the Best Distance Learning Approaches
ISM worked with more than 1,000 teachers this spring and summer to help them refine their approach to distance learning. As part of our study, we surveyed them about their experiences. What worked? What didn’t? Here’s what they said.
Four Steps to Support Your Teachers As COVID-19 Continues
Beginning a new school year is exciting—but this year has become increasingly uncertain with the increase in COVID-19’s Delta variant. Teachers and staff will require predictability and support as they continue to navigate the uncertainty.
Your Advisory Program After an Emergency School Closure
In an earlier issue of Ideas & Perspectives, we discussed how to maintain your advisory program during a school closure. The following article provides advice on how to handle your program after such an event.
A Positive Faculty Culture Can Help Prevent Teacher Burnout
The impact of COVID-19 feels relentless. Whether your school returned to campus this fall, is conducting learning online, or is using a combination of the two, stress is imminent. Teachers can especially suffer from this stress as they balance new methodologies for instruction with their own family concerns. You must be able to recognize when a teacher may be reaching a level of burnout.
Your Advisory Program During an Emergency School Closure
When your school closes for a sustained period during an emergency, as School Head or Division Head, you must make many prudent programmatic and other adaptations to serve your school community and its strategic interests. The continuity of your middle and upper school advisory program may well be interrupted, put on hold as you focus on fundamental academic and other needs deemed more important than advisory. As an educator of adolescents, do not neglect the distinctive integrative benefit advisory provides to students’ departmentalized academic lives.
What to Evaluate When Choosing a Learning Management System
There are many LMS available, each with its own features and problems. Here’s what you should know about choosing the right LMS for your school’s needs.
Mergers: Creating Excellent and Efficient Leadership Teams
Previously in I&P, we discussed the potential benefits of a merger between two or more schools. Should you take this route, as Board Chair and School Head, you will have the ultimate responsibility in selecting the leaders as the schools merge.
Scheduling Concerns for the 2020–21 School Year
Distance learning requires a modified schedule to meet the unique needs of remote education—you cannot simply mirror your on-campus schedule for distance learning at home. This article provides some insight on how to plan your schedule for the coming year.