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A focus on Learning... in a "Remote" World

4/7/2020

In high schools across New York State there is always talk of the Regents Exam. This exam has been the focus of teachers since 1878 when the first high school exams were given. On April 6, 2020, that changed... at least for the time being.

Now what? I think we now have the unique opportunity to focus on learning, not the test anymore. While we rely soley on remote learning opportunities... our ability to leverage technology will certainly accelarate our ability to focus on student agency. Some cynics will say that without a Regents Exam, the students will not be motivated anymore, they're going to "check out." I don't think so. Instead, I believe we need to seize this opportunity and engage our students. Remember that first and foremost we teach students, then we teach content... and remember, children are naturally curious, want to make connections, and desire learning things that are relevant to them; things that are real.

https://mylearningnetwork.com/blooming-as-a-learner/

When we were thrust into this remote world as we walked out of our schools on March 13, 2020, I sent an email to the faculty. I will never forget that email. Along with a remote learning planning guide, I sent teachers my phone numbers and those of my assistant principals', so they could reach us at anytime. I wanted them to know that we cared about them as people first; we cared about their social and emotional well being just as we wanted them to care for our students and their families.
In the educational world we hear a lot about "Maslow before Blooms;" in other words, we need to take into account the hierarchy of human needs before the hierarchy of human learning.
Next, I asked our educators to reflect on remote learning and consider the following while they focused on what remote learning would look like in their 'new' classrooms.

Emphasize Choice - allowing students to chose how they demonstrate their learning will increase completion and help them navigate misconceptions
Emphasize Learning and Not Grades - when students are not concerned about "the grade," they are more likely to learn the material on their own, rather than “collaborating” with others (unless that is what you intend them to do).
Direct All Student & Teacher Tech Related Issues to Bonnie and Katie (they will route to the tech department if needed)
Last but not least (for now) —> If you are having difficultly reaching a student (e.g. they are not responding) please reach out to our mental health team. They are counseling students and are ready to assist in any way possible.

Never did I think that I would be writing this post on April 11, 2020 (20 days into an extended school closure) telling you that the Regents exams have been canceled.

Now is the time to tap into student interests and passions.

Now is the time to focus on strengths.

Now is the time to give choice.

The Four Cs: The essential skills for modern learners.

Now is the time to leverage creation tools. Whether it is a product to create or a problem to solve, allow students to determine how they demonstrate and share their learning.

Now is the the time to shift the paradigm as we are not going to take high stakes, multiple choice tests! Lets do what we've always wanted to do... make learning fun!

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Whittney Smith, Ed.D.