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District Directory
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Thoughtexchange Results: What should our district start, stop, and continue doing to ensure that distance learning is an effective model for our students?
In mid-October, a month into distance learning, the District asked families and students what they think we should start, stop, and continue doing to ensure that distance learning is an effective model.
Using a new feedback tool, Thoughtexchange, we were thrilled to see high participation in this critical conversation that generated 1,665 thoughts garnering 50,412 ratings. The ratings are especially valuable as the thoughts with the highest ratings were deemed most important and where we placed our focus in proposing enhancements to our distance learning format.
We very much thank everyone who participated in this Thoughtexchange. Please know that we heard you and your feedback is instrumental in making changes and improvements to help ensure student success.
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Demographics
Participants in this exchange selected which grade level they are associated with.
Top 5 Themes
Based on the feedback we received from this first Thoughtexchange discussion, we have compiled a list of the top five themes, along with our top ideas for action that will be explored by the District.
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Theme 1: Workload
Top Thoughts Top Ideas for Action - Students feel there is too much homework
- School work is due in a short amount of time
- Monitor how long assignments are taking and adjust accordingly
- Analyze use of priority standards and align to assigned work
- Analyze amount and type of asynchronous work students are expected to complete, then adjust accordingly
- Build in make up time for students as we seek balance of workload
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Theme 2: Communication
Top Thoughts Top Ideas for Action - Confusion on assignments given over the weekend
- Need clarity on due dates
- Keep assignments in one place
- Review process for Friday communication that includes assignments for Monday and a preview for the following week
- Evaluate how we communicate assignments and due dates to students and families
- Add all assignments, including work from specialists, in Google Classroom
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Theme 3: Instructional Model
Top Thoughts Top Ideas for Action - Provide hardcopy materials to reduce screen time
- Too much learning on own trying to teach self
- Want teachers to explain homework more and extend due dates
- Provide non-screen time work for primary students
- Continue to send materials home to support off-line learning
- Teachers review asynchronous work expectations during live Zoom sessions so expectations are clear
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Theme 4: Social Emotional Learning Connections
Top Thoughts Top Ideas for Action
- Students are struggling with personal life, mental health, and getting everything done
- Students need to have more peer interaction, break them into groups to talk and discuss
- Check in with students to see how they are feeling, not just how they are doing on work
- Create more (and different) interventions for students who are struggling
- Encourage more social interaction for students on Zoom
- Explore opportunities for kids to connect/make friends such as Lunch Bunch
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Theme 5: Standards Based Assessment
Top Thoughts Top Ideas for Action - Grades need to be posted regularly
- Fewer assignments that cover the same topic
- Don’t fail students when assignment turned in upside down; possible underlying reasons for missing assignments
- Communicate that grades are in Skyward and assignments are in Google Classroom
- Increase opportunities to demonstrate learning in live classes
- Incorporate more group work or project based assessments so students can interact with one another