School districts still adapting to online learning

By Christine Haines

chaines@yourmvi.com

The 2020-21 school year has been a learning experience for administrators in area school districts.

With two grading periods completed, school officials are assessing their own performances as well as that of their students. Virtual and blended education models have proven to be a challenge for everyone involved in the education process, not just for students and their parents. 

California Area Superintendent Dr. Laura Jacob said examining the problem isn’t laying blame; it’s looking for a way forward.

“It’s not a punishment to the students or the teachers,” she said. “What can we do to improve?”

Belle Vernon Area Superintendent Dr. Michele Dowell said part of the problem stems back to last school year when districts were thrust into the virtual education world without preparation for educators or students.

“We have a higher percentage of kids not doing as well, failing a course or two,” Dowell said. “Last year it was pass/fail. That kind of set us up for a rough start because kids thought it was going to be that again this year and it’s not, and now they are struggling to catch up.”

Administrators, guidance counselors and teachers are reaching out to the students who are struggling, trying to find the root cause of the problem and get the assistance they need, Dowell said.

“They keep a log of who they’ve contacted and who participates in the Zoom sessions on Wednesdays,” she explained. “No one wants to see kids fail.”

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