Continued Learning during COVID-19

Since states closed school buildings to protect students from COVID-19, schools have had to adapt quickly to keep students learning. Nearly all states put out guidance or resources to help districts and schools institute continuous learning and surmount the challenges faced by students in homes with limited or no internet access and those with disabilities.

In states like Alabama, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, and West Virginia, much of this work took place with the help of a task force or advisory group quickly assembled and comprising educators and administrators from across the state. Resulting district plans for continuous learning encompass use of online platforms to conduct classes, streaming and TV-based content, teaching assistance online or by phone, assigning and mailing resources and lesson plans, and even in-person interactions for students with disabilities in homes or classrooms.

Plans address accessibility of instruction for all students, teacher and staff resources, and needs services for students with disabilities.

According to analyst Georgia Heyward of the Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE), a review of districts’ learning plans show that state directives strongly shaped them, even as local officials craft tailored plans to meet the needs of their districts. …