Board Vote Brings Some Students Back to Class
Posted on 10/28/2020
The Akron Public Schools Board of Education has voted unanimously to continue 100% remote learning for students the remainder of this calendar year.
The vote was 7-0 in favor of the district’s offering to continue remote learning while adding special, in-school supports available to students most in need.
Built in to the school days, teachers and principals would decide who is most in need of in-building, face-to-face time. The focus will be, in this part of the learning platform, on students who are struggling. That would include those needing mental health services, hands-on time to achieve industry credentials, those falling behind academically, and those with special needs and therapy.
Transportation would be available. “All health and safety protocols will continue to be followed for the utmost safety for students and staff who are in our buildings,” said Business Affairs Executive Director Debra Foulk. Foulk delivered a detailed video and graphic presentation outlining all safety protocols. Akronschools.com has more in the video of the 10/26/20 meeting.
Also released at last night’s board meeting were results of a survey taken of teachers and staff. The survey was done by the Akron Education Association and showed 69% of educators want to continue to teach remotely for the remainder of the calendar year.
A similar survey given to deans and principals had the same result, with 69% supporting a remote learning plan.
Chief Academic Officer and Assistant Superintendent Ellen McWilliams-Woods, Ph.D., said about the timetable for this plan, “Our goal is to begin some type of site-based support by November 30. Our reopening teams will be working over the next two weeks to finalize how to fit an intervention/enrichment time period into each grade band's schedule. We're committed to working out a schedule that continues to prioritize our universal instruction but offers time for students who are struggling to get some site-based support.“