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This week we explore how meaning can be constructed in many ways. For more content, including original articles, discussion threads and podcasts, subscribe today.
A Creative Solution
For months now, our school has been tasked to come up with creative solutions for a re-entry plan that brings more students back in person and doesn’t cost a lot.
As we worked through scenarios, I realized that we already had a creative solution in place: Our hybrid/blended model seems to be working, able to teach in two different platforms. Faculty and staff continue to innovate with technology in ways that better meet the needs of our students and families. We were still in session!
By no means is this perfect. But perfect is not the goal. Our goal is the safest and most equitable education we can possibly offer here. When we recalibrate our expectations and truly understand the goal + the constraints, then we can get creative.
Recommended Reading and Resources
“You can’t unlearn, and that is a challenge for teachers” (Psyche) - a thought-provoking essay on different ways of knowing and how our training has deeply changed us (h/t Will).
In this article, Taylor Lorenz (The New York Times) highlights the new video game “Among Us” and why young people are using it to connect and develop relationships online.
In Peru, a teenager’s lesson is reduced to 30 minutes on state television and he has to write an essay on his family’s one cell phone. This article (The Washington Post) describes the reality for those living in poverty during the pandemic.
I offered a contribution to Larry Ferlazzo’s question via Education Week: “Do politics belong in the classroom?” (my answer: yes)
The International Literacy Association (ILA) is hosting virutal seminars and keynotes throughout August. Today I am watching Kate Roberts and Rachael Gabriel participate in “The Research-Practice Conversation”.
Thank you for reading and leading. This year, subscribers have the opportunity to engage in an “Educators as Writers” peer community. Nine writing tips posted during the school year, plus three virtual writing groups via Zoom. Join us!
Thank you for sharing your views on politics in the classroom. For years I've gotten the message that they should not be part of public school education. I appreciate how you've reframed it from the candidates to advocacy, engaging discussions, and perspective taking. Civic engagement is necessary and begins at a young age when we teach students to participate in community.