New Orleans schools conducted a study recently and found that the majority of parents are looking for some version of distance learning as we head into the new school year in August. Do you want the same? Here are some of the highlights from the study of over 7000 people. Much of this will be used as the school districts, especially New Orleans, create what school will look like in 2020-2021.
PARENTS
Parents overwhelmingly agree they had access to key supports in the transition to distance learningo 86% strongly agree or agree their child had reliable access to a device to communicate with teachers.o 86% strongly agree or agree their child had reliable access to internet.o 85% strongly agree or agree their school kept them regularly informed about important updates.o 77% strongly agree or agree they were support by teachers and schools in implementing remote learning.
More than half of parents would like a distance learning option for the 2020-2021 school year.o 56% of parents would like their school to offer distance learning as an option next year.o 46% of parents are open to sending their children back to school if schools reopen.
More than half of parents are open to a staggered schedule, so students could return to school.o 64% would be able to do every other day at the school.o 50% would be able to do AM/PM at the school.o 37% would be able to do alternating weeks.o 19% would not be able to do any of these options.o Among parents with students at different schools, 86% would prefer their students attend school on the same day.
Parents are prioritizing safety when considering a return to school for students.o 80% of parents said minimizing health risks was a top priority to them for reopening planning.o 63% of parents said students and staff must regularly wash their hands.o 62% of parents said that hand sanitizer would need to be in every classroom.o 59% of parents said that there would need to be staff training on preventing Covid-19 spread.o 51% of parents said schools must be cleaned at least once a day.
Parents expressed the need for clear guidance from teachers about how to keep students on track.o 88% of parents said it would be helpful to have summaries of what their children were required to learn to be at grade level.o 87% of parents said that it would be helpful to receive guidance on which tasks/assignments to prioritize each day.o 85% of parents said it would be helpful to have someone to help when questions arise.
EDUCATORSEducators overwhelming felt supported by their schools during the transition to distance learning this spring.o 84% reported that their school kept them informed.o 79% reported feeling supported.
Educators are concerned about their own safety and their emotional well-being as well as their students’ moving into the school year, and training is needed to support them in implementing distance learning.o 63% cite wanting resources on mental health in advance of the school year.o 28% cite that they did not receive development on distance learning this past spring.o 49% cite that they would not feel safe if they had to return to work right now.
When considering a return to school, educators are even more supportive of precautionary measures that support cleanliness and hygiene than parents.o 82% said minimizing health risks was a top priority to them for reopening planning.o 66% said hand sanitizer must be in place in order for them to feel comfortable returning to work.o 56% said they need the school to be cleaned at least once a day to feel comfortable returning to work.o 56% said staff must be trained on CDC guidance to feel comfortable returning to work.