A School Year Like No Other Requires Creativity, Flexibility, and Most of All Equity
Published
September, 2020
New York City will be attempting one of the most complicated instructional challenges the nation’s largest school district has ever undertaken. The 2020-2021 school year is set to begin next week with a blended learning model, whereby only a portion of students will be in schools each day with the rest learning remotely. Along with the logistical challenges of such a model, it is imperative that the health, safety and well-being of our students, teachers and staff comes first as they begin to gather indoors.
To work successfully, this moment of crisis requires flexibility and creativity, but it also requires a steadfast commitment to equity. We know that remote learning was an obstacle for many students, especially for those already disadvantaged and at risk. As we enter this new school year, it is vital that we take into account lessons learned earlier and structure learning to support students with unique needs and challenges as best we possibly can.
CCC understands the concerns of teachers and principals that have led to a delayed start to the school year. During this added time as well as into the first few months of transition the city must continue to develop and support practices that benefit those with the most to lose from long-term remote learning.
