August 19, 2020
Education Week, Vol. 40, Issue 01
Assessment
Opinion
The Accidental Education Benefits of COVID-19
We've got to end harmful testing and grading practices for good, not just pause them during the pandemic, argues Alfie Kohn.
School Choice & Charters
Briefly Stated
Briefly Stated: Stories You May Have Missed
A collection of stories you may have missed.
School & District Management
What the Research Says
Will Opening Schools Make the Pandemic Worse?
Will reopening schools cause the nation’s already simmering coronavirus pandemic to boil over?
School & District Management
Letter to the Editor
Activating Outdoor Spaces for Learning
To the Editor:
Though many districts are delivering instruction completely online this fall, many students will eventually return to school for in-person instruction. To promote continued student safety, experts such as the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that schools make outdoor learning one of their "highest priorities" when creating plans to reopen buildings. ("Outdoor Classrooms in the Age of COVID-19: Pros and Cons," June 1, 2020).
Though many districts are delivering instruction completely online this fall, many students will eventually return to school for in-person instruction. To promote continued student safety, experts such as the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that schools make outdoor learning one of their "highest priorities" when creating plans to reopen buildings. ("Outdoor Classrooms in the Age of COVID-19: Pros and Cons," June 1, 2020).
Curriculum
Letter to the Editor
Assuaging Technology Fears
To the Editor:
After reading the article "COVID-19 & Remote Learning: How to Make It Work," ("Special Report: How We Go Back to School," July 22, 2020), it looks like school administrators are forgetting the library media specialist again. The article links to a document with six ways educators can help parents with remote learning next school year, but perhaps library media specialists could also provide guidance.
After reading the article "COVID-19 & Remote Learning: How to Make It Work," ("Special Report: How We Go Back to School," July 22, 2020), it looks like school administrators are forgetting the library media specialist again. The article links to a document with six ways educators can help parents with remote learning next school year, but perhaps library media specialists could also provide guidance.
School & District Management
Schools Reopen and COVID-19 Cases Crop Up. Can K-12 Leaders Be Confident in Their Plans?
Many schools that have recently opened their doors are already seeing COVID-19 cases among students and staff. Should that shake the confidence of other school leaders who are planning to reopen?
School Climate & Safety
Opinion
You Made Me Enforce Useless Dress Codes for Years. Don't Claim Face Masks Go Too Far
Dress codes have disproportionately harmed Black students. A face-mask mandate could save their lives, writes James Bridgeforth.
Special Education
Students in Special Education, English-Learners May Go Back to Class First. Here's Why
Some districts are giving these groups priority to make up for lost learning and lack of access in the spring.
School & District Management
Opinion
How to Evaluate Teachers During Remote Learning, and Other Advice for Principals
This principal advice columnist answers your questions about remote teacher evaluation, staying accountable on racial equity, and what she wishes she’d known as a first-year principal.
Teaching
Explainer
Teaching and Learning in the Pandemic
Advice for deciding what to teach, how to teach it, and how to make sure students and teachers both get the support that they need.
Classroom Technology
Teaching in an Empty Classroom During COVID-19: Benefits and Drawbacks
Some school districts plan to require teachers to deliver virtual instruction alone from classrooms.
School & District Management
Could the 'Pandemic Pod' Be a Lifeline for Parents or a Threat to Equity?
As an uncertain school year looms, some parents are banding together to teach their children in private pods. Educators worry that the trend will worsen inequities and shrink funding for public schools.
School & District Management
Worried Teachers Want to Know: What Happens If I Get Sick?
In many places, teachers are preparing to head back into classrooms without any guarantee that they will stay healthy. Some are leaving their jobs rather than take the risk.
School & District Management
As Districts Seek Revenue Due to Pandemic, Black Homeowners May Feel the Biggest Hit
New research redoubles attention to the property tax burden on Black communities as recession-slammed districts look to make up for slumping income and sales taxes.