Pandemic Projects

Newsletter

This week we look at how we have spent our days during these times. If you enjoy this newsletter and already subscribe, share it with others.

Uniquely Prepared

I was asked recently how our school is adjusting to the shift to virtual instruction only. While acknowledging the large amount of stress we are all under, I also commented that our teachers were uniquely prepared for this situation.

It is not just about the technology, I explained, although these tools can help or hinder teaching and learning. I shared that our school’s collective commitments, collaborative norms, and shared beliefs have given us the language and the structure we need to communicate with each other and develop instructional coherence.

For example, if one person is unavailable to teach, team members have stepped in to their shoes and led their class. We have this capacity because of all the time we have spent developing ourselves as much as investing in any program or technology.

This summer’s book study, Engaging Literate Minds, introduced the concept of collaborative independence. It describes a person’s ability to be both independent and interdependent in their practice. I thought it fit well with our community. Yes, we are capable professionals on our own, yet we are so much better when together.

Recommended Reading and Resources

• We have decided not to do teacher evaluations this year in our school, explained in this article. Instead we are offering authentic, portfolio-style approaches to assessment.

• The Seattle Times curated “pandemic projects”: unique creations coming out of this situation along with the processes people used (h/t Regie). Related: 33 Bookshelf Inserts That Book Lovers Will Appreciate (Bored Panda).

• Interesting post on why people might struggle with solitude: On Needing to Find Something to Worry About (The School of Life, h/t Tim)

• What I’m Reading: The House Next Door by Anne Rivers Siddons. It was recommended by Stephen King in Danse Macabre. A brooding “making of a haunted house” story, as well as commentary on class amidst the Atlanta suburbs.

• Speaking of the season, my kids and I are watching spooky movies throughout the month of October. We rate each one and discuss why. Reading continues to be a challenge at times, and it is nice to have something in common to talk about.

Any favorite movies of this genre you recommend? What are you up to during this unique times?

Take care,

Matt