Education
School campuses across the country have shut their doors, forcing students, families, and educators to adapt to new forms of learning and essential service delivery. How are local officials ensuring that all children have their basic needs met and are provided equitable access to meaningful learning opportunities? Below are resources we’ve collected detailing how states and cities are responding to new challenges in education during the pandemic.
The below are listed in order of publication, starting with the most recent. Last updated Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at 1:33 PM. Postings below do not convey endorsement of any particular organization or opinion contained in links.
San Francisco Launches Online Interactive Tool To Help Parents Track School Reopenings
The new dashboard — a collaboration between the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH), the COVID Command Center and DataSF — was developed to help parents and teachers track in real-time the growing number San Francisco schools applying to resume in-person learning. (September 22, 2020)
Pilot program helps students overcome COVID-19 learning gap
The National Board of Black County Commissioners (NOBCO)— chaired by Tarrant County Commissioner Roy Charles — has launched a tutoring program in Fort Worth to help address the learning gaps that are disproportionately impacting vulnerable students during the pandemic. NOBCO will provide a licensed and certified teacher to conduct tutoring sessions on two evenings per week starting on September 15. (September 11, 2020)
Districts Offer Cash to Families Who Skip the School Bus
In an effort to limit the number of students commuting together on school buses, some districts are offering cash to families willing to find alternative transportation options. Parents in Philadelphia, for example, will be eligible for up to $1,500 this upcoming school year for opting out of district-provided bus transportation. Some see this necessary shift as a potential precursor to more lasting and wide-scale changes to school transportation, which is historically very costly, inefficient and harmful to the environment. (September 11, 2020)
Camp Connection accommodates working parents and their students as they return to school
The mayor’s office has launch a new convenient option for working parents that provides a safe place for students ages 5–13 to attend while parents continue working or return to work. Camp Connection provides supportive learning opportunities for children in nearby neighborhoods at community centers. Camps will be staffed with recreation professionals to provide a learning partnership through homework assistance. Camp Connection will offer adult supervision for youth while completing their online school assignments. Lunch and a snack will be provided. (September 8, 2020)
New COVID-19 school dashboard published by Tarrant County Public Health
The data shown on the new dashboard suggests various learning scenarios that may be appropriate to consider, based on the current health data metrics in school zones. Data can be dis-aggregated to the district or school level and provide school leaders and parents with a shared language for understanding school opening/closing decisions. (September 8, 2020)
CARES Act funding grants for postsecondary education in Indy
Mayor Hogsett announced $1.4 million in CARES Act funding to help support Indy residents seeking post-secondary education. More than $300,000 of the total amount will be dedicated to helping students that have existing credits with two Indy universities (IUPUI and IVY Tech) re-enroll in courses and progress towards a degree. Additional funds will go to adult education and rapid re-skilling efforts that were already underway. (August 20, 2020)
MAYOR’S OFFICE ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH ‘BRIGHT BY TEXT,’ NATIONAL EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION
The partnership will allow the Mayor’s Office of Youth and Families to communicate valuable education and support services information with parents of 0–8 year olds via text message. Parents participating in the free program will receive four texts per week with information related to vaccination clinics, school enrollment deadlines, digital library resources, etc. (August 18, 2020).
Boston aims to provide child care and remote learning space for thousands of students
Boston Public Schools and local after school providers are working together to create emergency learning centers where students can safely access internet and remote instruction. The potential sites include churches, YMCAs, parks and even museums and the Franklin Park Zoo. (August 16, 2020)
Sites Will Offer Indy Students Free, In-Person E-Learning Care
The Indianapolis-based education reform organization, The Mind Trust, has provided funding to support remote learning sites for 500 students based at 11 community centers and churches. (August 14, 2020)
Officials Announce Internet Access Plan for Tulsa; Upcoming Programs Aimed to Help Tulsans Impacted by COVID-19
Thanks to a partnership with Governor Stitt and the State of Oklahoma’s allocation of Coronavirus Relief Funds, the City will utilize $5.6 million to provide internet access to Tulsa families to support virtual learning. The allocation of the funds resulted from the work of an Internet Access Task Force started in April 2020 that includes stakeholders from local public school districts, the City and the nonprofit organization, Impact Tulsa. (August 13, 2020)
Pods for all? Some districts and nonprofits are reimagining the remote learning trend
Many districts and nonprofits are developing low-cost or free “learning pods” for families as schools shift to remote-only instruction. Educators and community leaders are leveraging public facilities and philanthropic resources to provide small cohorts of young learners with safe, supervised spaces where they can access virtual learning and engage in limited social interaction during school closures. (August 10, 2020)
Shadow schools? Class is in session — at the YMCA and roller rink
With a majority of urban districts offering remote-only instruction, city leaders and nonprofit organizations are re-purposing community facilities into “learning hubs” — safe places where students can access internet connectivity for remote learning, food, supervision and limited social interaction. (August 10, 2020)
YMCA provides $60 per day learning centers so students can get peer interactions during remote courses
The YMCA of Greater Houston is launching safe and structured learning environments that will allow students to attend virtual classes, benefit from peer interaction and participate in engaging enrichment activities, while parents return to work. The Y Learning Center hours are 8 a.m. — 3 p.m., similar to normal school hours with aftercare available until 6 p.m. Staff will be trained in remote learning platforms and snacks will also be provided. (August 7, 2020)
New Orleans will launch ‘community learning hubs’ at libraries, rec centers to help students without internet access
The City of New Orleans is transforming public libraries and recreational facilities into “community learning hubs,” that provide safe, supervised spaces for youth to access internet and devices and engage in remote learning. (August 5, 2020)
Columbus, Franklin County to spend $8.2 million to help childcare facilities
Columbus will use $6.2 million of CARES Act dollars to help childcare providers handle new regulations, including reduced teacher-child ratios, reduced maximum class sizes and new sanitization protocols that are crucial for the health and safety of both the children and the teachers. Franklin County will contribute an additional $2 million of their own CARES Act dollars for this initiative. The combined $8.2 million will go to childcare providers that serve low-income children in opportunity neighborhoods in Columbus, or in Groveport, Reynoldsburg and Whitehall. (July 27, 2020)
Mayor London Breed Announces Community Learning Hubs to Support Distance Learning and Extension of Emergency Child and Youth Care for COVID-19 Frontline Workers
The ‘learning hubs’ aim to support up to 6,000 disadvantaged students when San Francisco schools reopen for the fall with distance learning.The hubs, at 40 sites across the city, are set to open Sept. 14 and will be managed by the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families. (July 23, 2020)
How Governors and Mayors Can Support Schools So Schools Can Support Students
This report from the Aspen Institute outlines actions state and local leaders can take to support schools in gaining access to the material resources needed for a successful recovery from the pandemic. In addition to identifying ways to leverage federal funding for pandemic relief, the report outlines innovative ways of building human capital to support educators and students. (July 22, 2020)
Reopening Schools: Here Are Some Districts’ Plans for the Fall
This summary of large urban districts’ plans for the beginning of the school year are broken down into three categories: those that are only offering online instruction (Los Angeles, San Diego, Nashville, etc), those that are offering full in-person instruction (Miami-Dade, Memphis, etc), and those that are offering hybrid models (Columbus, New York, etc.) (July 14, 2020)
Getting Kids to School: Tackling the COVID-19 Transportation Problem
Part of a special report on school re-openings, Education Week outlines in detail the key considerations for safely transporting students to and from schools, including bus capacity (with and without mask-wearing), screenings and temperature checks before boarding buses, bus staffing, and successfully serving students with disabilities. (July 8, 2020)
Mayor Lightfoot and Chicago Department of Family and Support Services Announce New Initiatives for Summer Youth Programming
The City’s youth summer employment program — One Summer Chicago (OSC) — will be enhanced to include paid, job and life-skills training via online cohorts and a special new Chicago Youth Service Corps (CYSC) of 2,000 youth dedicated to providing service to the city and its residents, including remote-support to the City’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. Members of the CYSC will complete projects such as: (1) a youth-led COVID-19 public information campaign; (2)Over-the-phone well-being checks for older residents; (3) A “Mask-Up” program for crafting cloth face coverings; and (4) Social-distancing ambassador activities. (June 26, 2020)
Healthy buildings expert outlines recommendations for school reopenings
A new report from the Harvard Chan School of Public Health outlines detailed guidelines for safe school re-openings. The comprehensive, 62-page report offers recommendations that are organized into five categories: healthy classrooms, healthy buildings, healthy policies, healthy schedules, and healthy activities. Above all, argue the report’s authors, compliance with a new culture of mask wearing and hand-washing will be essential. (June 25, 2020)
Planning Your 2020–21 School Year? Use Our ‘Guide to the Guides’ on Reopening
Education Week has summarized and curated several guides to school reopening from multiple, credible sources, including the National Education Association, AASA The Schools Superintendents’ Association, and Education Resource Strategies. (June 22, 2020)
K-12 To Postsecondary Transitions During COVID-19: Opportunities For Governors And States
Preliminary surveys show that 2020 high school graduates are seriously reconsidering their post-secondary plans as a result of the pandemic, with as many as 20 percent reporting they may no longer enroll in a post-secondary program if it will be conducted entirely online. This memo from the National Governor’s Association outlines steps states can take to ensure graduating students continue on a path to a post-secondary credential, including: (1) increasing FAFSA completion, (2) developing summer bridge programs (which can address covid-related learning loss) and (3) providing virtual support services for students navigating their college decision process with new financial concerns. (June 15, 2020)
Addressing Child Abuse Reporting And Supporting Child Well-Being During COVID-19
It is estimated that some states have seen reports of child abuse decline by 20–70 percent during the pandemic, largely as a result of children no longer interacting with mandatory reporters such as teachers, counselors, and day care providers. This memo from the National Governor’s Association outlines steps states can take to mitigate the conditions that lead to child abuse, (including targeted food, housing and cash assistance to families most in need) and provide the necessary resources to child care workers, state agencies and courts to ensure they are able to continue their essential functions and protect youth. (June 15, 2020)
Assigned seats, open windows, lots of sanitizer: Tennessee releases guidance for school bus transportation
The guidelines for safely transporting students on school buses include: socially distanced assigned seating, mandatory masks, the use of hand sanitizer prior to boarding, and additional staff who monitor buses and ensure compliance with the safety measures. The guidelines, which were released as part of the state’s School Reopening Toolkit, also mention the need for schools to get a very clear picture of families’ needs for transportation, plan the most effective routes, and prepare for anticipated bus driver shortages. (June 15, 2020)
This is the biggest obstacle for reopening schools in August 🚌
As Governor Raimondo announced a commitment to reopening public schools in Rhode Island, school superintendents are struggling with how to provide safe, cost-effective transportation for students, a large majority of whom rely on buses. The $42 million the state has set aside for school districts to respond to the coronavirus may not be enough to provide the additional buses and drivers that are recommended for safe physical distancing of students. (June 11, 2020)
6 Ways to Bring Students and Staff Back to Schools
Included among the six potential models for re-opening schools proposed by a group of public health officials, education leaders and superintendents are: phase re-openings, staggered scheduling, “bubble” strategies and cyclical shut-down strategies. Some of the six proposed models could be rolled out simultaneously. (June 10, 2020)
Schools Turn to Surveillance Tech to Prevent Covid-19 Spread
The New Albany-Plains school district in Ohio will require students to wear devices as part of a pilot study that will allow administrators to track their movements within school buildings. The technology is meant to help administrators understand patterns in students’ movements and prevent opportunities for congregating before they happen. (June 9, 2020)
City boosts summer jobs program by $4.1m, with precautions in place
The additional funding will be used to employ 8,000 Boston youth this summer. Some positions will shift to being conducted remotely, and the City has committed to providing protective equipment to students who will work onsite. Placements include working with local large businesses — including tech and pharmaceutical companies — as well as jobs working directly with the City focused on parks beautification, U.S. Census awareness and covid-19 public safety projects. Roughly 450 students will also take online courses in tech, creative economy and human services. (June 8, 2020)
How Will ‘Hybrid Schedules’ Work If K-12 Schools Reopen This Fall? LAUSD Is Thinking About It
The superintendent of the nation’s second largest public school district announced the potential for shifting in-person and remote school schedules during the upcoming school year. Included among the proposed scheduling options were one day in-person followed by one day remote; one day in-person followed by four days remote; and, one week in-person followed by one week remote. The possibility of inconsistent and irregular in-person schooling presents challenges for educators and families alike. (June 3, 2020)
Lunch ‘heroes’: 5,000 daily deliveries becomes vital part of education in hard-hit San Juan County
Navajo Nation has one of the highest per-capita infection rates of COVID-19. When the reality of the virus hit San Juan County, school district employees stepped out of their traditional job roles to provide essential needs to students, including delivering meals and homework packets to families lacking internet access and critical food supply. (May 26, 2020)
Education continuity stories: Learning from international education responses to the crisis
The OECD has partnered with the Harvard Graduate School of Education and World Bank Group to collect and disseminate stories from countries around the world about the solutions their education systems are using and how they are adapting to different student and teacher needs during the coronavirus crisis.
One in five Boston public school children may be virtual dropouts: Technical, language challenges keep students from continuing school online
Large variations and disparities in attendance for remote learning across Boston Public Schools have been particularly harmful to English language learners and immigrant youth. As a result, City Counselors and families are asking for more data from the district, including not only rates of attendance across schools, but also unmet gaps in digital technology and internet access. (May 23, 2020)
Summer “Vacation Academies” Can Narrow Coronavirus Learning Gaps
Small group or individualized tutoring sessions taking place over the summer or during vacation weeks may help schools address covid-related learning loss and also build stronger relationships with students. But, as with most educational interventions, the details — including who the tutors are and how they are selected — matter. (May 21, 2020)
Mayor Cantrell announces youth summer programming in response to COVID-19
The Mayor announced adjustments to youth summer programming based on CDC guidelines, including reduced numbers of overall youth participants, daily youth temperature checks and a maximum 9:1 youth-to-adult ratio for group activities. Staff will also be required to wear face masks and additional cleaning and disinfecting measures will be put in place. (May 20, 2020)
In a jump, 18% of NYC students will need summer school to be ready for the fall, officials say
The NYC Department of Education is bracing for a substantial increase in the number of students required or recommended to enroll in remote summer school as a result of COVID-related learning loss. Officials intend to differentiate and improve upon the distance learning students experienced in the closing months of the school year by increasing opportunities for small group work, enrichment, synchronous learning, and one-on-one tutoring and socio-emotional support provided by teachers, counselors and social workers. (May 19, 2020)
Detroit’s summer youth jobs program faces going online only
In response to the pandemic, employers, nonprofits and young adults participating in the Grow Detroit’s young Talent program have pivoted to engaging in remote-only education and training opportunities. The program’s executive director, Marie Hocker, said the youth employment program will still be able to take the approximately 8,000 youth it would have accepted without a worldwide pandemic. (May 17, 2020)
Coronavirus EBT benefits automatically en route to all Boston Public Schools families
Boston families with children in public or charter schools will receive $28.50 per student per week as a result of the federal Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer initiative, which was authorized by the COVID-19 relief package passed last month. The additional benefit will arrive automatically on the EBT cards of families already eligible for the SNAP food program. All other families will receive new pre-loaded EBT cards in the mail. (May 14, 2020)
Gov. Lujan Grisham releases required guidelines for summer youth programs amid COVID-19 pandemic
In addition to encouraging remote learning opportunities for youth over the summer, Governor Grisham outlined a comprehensive list of guidelines for in-person programming, including a 5-to-1 child-to-adult ratio for early summer activities. Also included in the list of guidelines were protocols for maintaining hygiene, appropriate distancing and developing detailed plans for communicating updates with families. (May 14, 2020)
New York City’s Summer Youth Employment Program Must Be Restored
A high school student from the Bronx is committed to fighting for the restoration of the NYC Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), a popular and valuable jobs training program that provides opportunities for 75,000 students each summer that was recently cancelled by Mayor DeBlasio due to the coronavirus. La’Toya Beechem and her fellow advocates at Teens Take Charge are gaining momentum, with over half of NYC City Council members in favor of full reinstatement of SYEP funding and open to working with employers to find safe and creative ways to keep students employed over the summer. (May 13, 2020)
Anchorage schools plan summer programs to counter growing learning gap
Recognizing the potential for an extended “summer learning slide” as a result of covid-related school closures, the Anchorage district superintendent has committed to offering an expanded, optional collection of summer learning opportunities for students. (May 12, 2020)
Low attendance and covid-19 have ravaged D.C.’s poorest schools. Fall will be about reconnecting.
Educational inequities in Washington, D.C. have been exacerbating as a result of COVID-19 school closures, with low income minority youth more likely to experience the harmful effects of the disease firsthand and less likely to participate fully in remote learning. School leaders and city education officials are calling for increased opportunities for such students to re-connect with educators — including extended learning time, trauma-informed care, and having students start the fall school year assigned to their pre-COVID teachers (a practice known as “looping”). (May 11, 2020)
A looming issue for schools: Teachers with health worries who can’t or won’t go back
With roughly one-in-five educators in the U.S. being older than 55, district leaders must weigh the challenge of re-opening schools while ensuring safe conditions for at-risk teachers and staff. (May 9, 2020)
School Districts Deploy WiFi-Equipped Buses to Expand Broadband Access for Students
From Pennsylvania to Texas and California, counties and districts are utilizing unused school buses to bring internet connectivity to low-income and rural neighborhoods. Specific models vary across districts, with some buses providing WiFi access at different hours to different target populations. In the state of North Carolina, Governor Cooper has intentionally expanded the bus-based broadband access to adults and parents in addition to public school students. (May 6, 2020)
NY and Gates Foundation to Develop Blueprint, ‘Reimagine’ Education Amid Pandemic
During his daily coronavirus briefing, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a new partnership between New York State and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a framework for “reimagining” education, based largely on leveraging technology to deliver quality education in virtual settings. (May 4, 2020)
A blueprint for back to school
This report from the American Enterprise Institute — written in collaboration with several former state chiefs of education, superintendents, federal education officials and school leaders — sketches a framework that can help state policymakers, education and community leaders, and federal officials plan appropriately for reopening. Key areas of consideration in the report include school operations, whole child supports, school personnel, academics, and distance learning. (May 4, 2020)
Virginia city outfits school buses with Wi-Fi for remote students
Hopewell City Public Schools has partnered with the tech company Kajeet to retrofit 31 school buses with Wi-Fi hotspots that can be parked throughout the city to provide internet access for more than 1,000 students in need. The hot spots will remain in place throughout the summer for year-long access. (May 4, 2020)
One Governor’s Plan to Provide Free Tuition to Essential Workers
Based on the federal GI bill which provided educational opportunities to soldiers in the aftermath of World War II, Gov. Whitmer has proposed a “Futures for Frontliners” plan that would extend tuition-free post-secondary educational pathways to essential workers who are putting their lives on the line to help fellow citizens navigate the coronavirus pandemic. The program would be funded through CARES Act federal relief money combined with additional funding available through existing workforce development efforts. (May 1, 2020)
Coronavirus Update: De Blasio Outlines New Grading Policy For NYC Public School Students
In an effort to provide as much flexibility as possible to students forced to adapt to remote learning, the largest public school district in the country has shifted its grading policy. Students in grades K-5 will receive one of two designations, “Meets Standards” or “Needs Improvement.” Older students may also receive a “Course in Progress” designation which would allow them additional time to show proficiency in a subject area. The Mayor also announced that a “very special” city-wide virtual graduation ceremony for high school seniors is being planned. (April 28, 2020)
$1.5M From Mayor’s E-Fund To Help 39K Students Get Online For School
The Indianapolis E-learning Fund has distributed $1.5 million to Marion County Public School districts and charter school operators based on their assessed digital learning needs. The remaining amount of money in the E-learning Fund — roughly an additional $1.1 million — is reserved for “longer-term investments and resources for schools engaging in e-learning and remote learning statewide.”. (April 28, 2020)
Tulsa Public Schools Holds Essay Contest On Coronavirus Impact For Seniors
High school seniors at Tulsa Public Schools can submit essays describing the impact of COVID-19 on their senior experience for a chance to win a grand prize $500. Award funding was made possible thanks to the Tulsa Public Schools Senior Leaderhsip Team and the Foundation for Tulsa Schools. (April 28, 2020)
Organizations team up with Baltimore City Public Schools to offer arts and learning snacks
Two local organizations, Young Audiences and Future Makers, have collaborated with public schools district to provide arts, crafts and alternative learning materials to families at meal distribution sites. Recognizing not all students are able to participate in remote learning equally, these additional creative learning materials are being welcomed by many families seeking alternatives to screen-based learning. (April 28, 2020)
When it comes to online learning, Mass., Rhode Island take wildly divergent paths
Despite their close proximity, the two states have taken vastly different approaches to online learning during the pandemic with Massachusetts prioritizing pragmatism and decentralized flexibility and Rhode Island prioritizing a more centralized, aspirational and what some have termed “tough love” approach. In either case, researchers recommend proceeding cautiously and with lots of feedback loops. (April 23, 2020)
California businesses partner to improve student access to distance learning
Governor Newsom announced a newly established, cross-industry partnership of California-based businesses that seeks to provide digital learning technology to the estimated 1.2 million students that are currently in need. T-Mobile, Amazon, and Apple will contribute to the partnership as well as individual donations from Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. (April 22, 2020)
Phoenix district working to connect with ‘every student, every day’ during school closures
The Phoenix Union school district has committed to checking-in with every one of its 30,000 high school students, every day until the end of the school year. Teachers and staff make “wellness calls” to the same roughly 10 students each day, checking-in on a set of challenges students might be facing related to their basic needs and socio-emotional well being. (April 21, 2020)
Boston Public School Buses Deliver Food To Students Unable To Get To Meal Pickup Sites
Through a partnership with the nonprofit, Revolution Foods, the state’s largest school district is making it easier for families concerned about small crowds to access meals. (April 17, 2020)
Baltimore County Public Schools to begin teacher-produced TV learning schedule
Seeking an alternative to strictly online learning, educators at Baltimore County Public Schools are delivering 10–22 minutes long lessons on various subject areas including English language arts, mathematics and English language learning for non native speakers. (April 15, 2020)
The Detroit district will open classrooms to teachers without home internet access
As if the challenge to provide remote learning technology to students weren’t enough, the Detroit Public Schools district has also been forced to find solutions for teachers facing similar challenges. (April 15, 2020)
Holyoke to Provide Free Internet Access for Students that Lack at-home Connectivity
In partnership with Holyoke Public Schools, Mayor Alex B. Morse negotiated a contract with Comcast to provide six free months of internet connectivity to families that currently lack access, regardless of any past due balances or debt owed to the company. The costs to Comcast over the six month contract will be covered by the city and thereafter families will have the option to continue the service at rate of $9.95 per month. Families will also receive free Digital Literacy Training and access to computers at a reduced cost. (April 15, 2020)
Some Undocumented Families Don’t Feel Safe Applying For Free Internet, Making Remote Learning Even More Difficult
Offers to provide free internet services to families and public school students in need have been met with anxiety and frustration in several communities. Fearing that the application requirements will somehow be used to target them, some Coloradans— including those that stand to gain the most from continued access to remote learning and school supports — are opting out. (April 14, 2020)
As schools shift online, Westbrook buys 650 laptops for Houston kids
Appearing at a press conference with Mayor Sylvester Turner, all-star point guard for the Houston Rockets, Russell Westbrook, announced the donation of the urgently needed laptop devices, made possible through a collaborative effort between the City, Comp-U-Dopt, an organization that provides technology access to undeserved youth, and Westbrook’s Why Not? Foundation. (April 13, 2020)
For remote learning, California asks public to donate 150,000 devices
Working to combat the digital divide in California, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond urged the public to donate devices and cash during a virtual town hall meeting. This call to action comes after Google agreed to donate 4,000 Chromebooks and 100,000 WiFi hot spots to support remote learning in its home state. (April 9, 2020)
E-Learning fund launches in Indy
A new fund has launched in Indianapolis to support educators, families and students in the shift to remote learning. The fund, which started with an initial investment of $2.6 million from several philanthropic sources, will be managed by the Mayor’s Office of Education Innovation. (April 8, 2020)
States Can Ask to Use Existing Federal Education Funds for Remote Learning Tech
Recognizing the urgent and growing need for quality remote learning technology and pedagogy, the U.S. Department of Education announced a new waiver request process that allows states to re-purpose existing federal funding to pay for online learning technology and training for educators. (April 7, 2020)
Mayor Turner, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announce new resources to help essential workers find child care
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has launched a new resource for essential workers — findchildcarenow.org — which matches working parents with child care centers that have immediate openings. Families needing financial assistance for child care (whether or not they already have access to it) can also utilize the website to apply for support through Workforce Solutions, an organization that has allocated $10 million for child care for multiple Houston-area counties. (April 7, 2020)
Chicago plans to give 100,000 tech devices to students. Here are the rules.
With demand for tech exceeding supply, the Mayor and school leaders are prioritizing special education and English language learners as well as students living in neighborhoods that score highest on an “ economic hardship index.” (April 3, 2020)
Providence Schools Cut Student Lunch Pick Up to Two Days
In an effort to limit social interaction, Providence Public Schools will consolidate their “grab-and-go” meal pick-up schedule from weekday service to two days per week. Starting April 7, larger quantities of food will be distributed only on Tuesdays and Fridays. (April 3, 2020)
How Denver Families Can Donate Unused School Lunch Money to Feed Those in Need
Denver Public Schools (DPS) is offering families an innovative option to donate unused lunch money from their “My School Bucks” accounts to those in need. Unused lunch money can be transferred directly to the DPS Foundation’s Food Insecurity Fund, which provides “grab-and-go” meals to adults across the city. (April 1, 2020)
How a Preschool for At-Risk Children Is Prioritizing Mental Health During COVID-19 Closures
Educators from a specialized preschool program for children with severe trauma share their experiences shifting to remote counseling and identify some unforeseen opportunities resulting from this new form of engagement with families. (March 31, 2020)
District Responses to School Closures
The Center on Reinventing Public Education has compiled a database capturing how 82 U.S. school districts are responding to the pandemic, including plans for remote learning, providing access to technology, individualized and special education, teacher professional development, etc. (March 31, 2020)
California PBS ‘At-Home Learning’ Model Spreads Across U.S
A partnership between the Los Angeles Unified School District, PBS and KCET to broadcast free, state-approved lessons for children has helped close digital learning gaps. Other cities and states have taken notice. (March 30, 2020)
How Parking a Wireless School Bus Can Help All Students Get Back to School
The coronavirus lends new urgency to addressing technological and connectivity gaps between students. Using school buses as mobile hot spots provides an innovative solution. (March 30, 2020)
Map: Coronavirus and School Closures
This map, created and maintained by Education Week, provides leaders with a real-time snapshot of the status of school closures across U.S. states. (March 30, 2020)
Stress, Resilience and the Role of Science: Responding to the Coronavirus Pandemic
Harvard’s Center for the Developing Child provides reputable resources aimed at mitigating the short- and long-term social and emotional challenges posed by the pandemic. (March 30, 2020)
Free Meals for Kids — Mobile App Locates School Meals for Kids During Closures
Minnesota State Education Commissioner endorses a Free Meals for Kids App, created by a Minneapolis non-profit to help families locate meals during school closures. (March 27, 2020)
The Urgent Need for Children’s Cabinets
The COVID-19 pandemic presents an urgent case for community-wide approaches to education and youth services. The Ed Redesign Lab at the Harvard Graduate School of Education highlights the coordinated responses of Children’s Cabinets in cities across the country, including in Tacoma, Denver and Minneapolis. (March 27, 2020)
$1 Million Fund to Help Close DC’s ‘Digital Divide’ as Distance Learning Begins
Mayor Muriel Bowser announces the DC Education Equity Fund, which seeks to ensure equitable access to remote learning for all public school students. (March 24, 2020)
