Hello reader,
Since my last post, I’ve been “teaching” students from my couch and kitchen counter. It doesn’t feel like teaching anymore. I haven’t taught new material (per district-union agreement) and have found it difficult to check in with students. Also, I’ve cut the workload down to at least half (again, per district-union agreement).
I’ve been keeping track of student work, of course. For those who haven’t been completing much or any of the work I’ve assigned, I’ve emailed or called home. I’ve also spoken to our guidance counselors and principal when I believe they should reach out to students or parents.
Here’s where student work completion stands for me today:
I’m not sure if this is the norm for my school, district, or on an even broader scale. I’m not sure how many of my students have regular access to a computer or a quiet place at home. What I do know is that this amount of work completion is far less than when students are in my classroom. Many teachers I’ve spoken to have also seen work completion drop. Some seem very worried (“They’ll never catch up”), others are more optimistic (“They’ll be fine”). I’m not quite ready to make predictions for the long-term. For now, I’m simply making observations.
Big deal or not so much, what do you think?