Beginning with Education Dive.
Putting new technology and skills gained over the past year to work across in-person curriculum will be critical to make the most of those investments.
Research suggests some students learned as much or more compared to a normal school year when learning materials factored parents into the process.
Next, the EdSource Today.
SPECIAL REPORT
By Karen D’Souza and Daniel J. Willis, EdSource
Kindergarten students nationwide and in California became the biggest group to opt out of remote-only schooling during the pandemic.
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By John Fensterwald, EdSource
Families have a right to independent study instead of in-person instruction; worry about the delta variant may determine how many choose it.
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By Michael Burke, EdSource
Entering the fall, college students say they want flexibility to learn how they’re most comfortable, whether that’s in person or remotely.
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By John Fensterwald and Sydney Johnson, EdSource
Independent study is this year’s at-home alternative to in-person instruction for parents worried about contracting Covid. How will it work?
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By Briana Munoz, California Student Journalism Corps
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Moving on to the various mailings from Education Week.
Next, the different items from eSchool News.
Understand the Impact of Your EdTech Investments
Districts make significant investments in hardware and software; however, not all investments yield a strong return on student learning. Education data has the power to reveal which initiatives impact student achievement and provide educators with direction.
Insights from LanSchool’s 2021 Distance Learning in Review
The sudden shift to distance learning in the spring of 2020 brought about distinct challenges and quickly changed the education landscape forever. After nearly a year of remote and hybrid learning, we wanted to check in to see how teachers and their students were doing.
Also, the variety of newsletters from ASCD.
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(Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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Twenty percent of school and district leaders say they are planning to reopen schools under hybrid models — an increase from 10% the previous month — according to a survey from the EdWeek Research Center. The increase comes as the number of coronavirus cases is rising because of the Delta variant.
Full Story: Education Week (8/9)
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The growth of artificial intelligence in education raises questions about ethics and design, says Cynthia Breazeal, head of MIT’s Initiative on Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education. This article highlights three AI-enabled teaching aids now in development, including a teaching assistant for middle-school teachers, called Diana, that responds to students’ nonverbal and visual cues.
Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (8/6)
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A recent move by the Chinese government to curtail the country’s large education technology and tutoring industry already has had an economic impact and is raising questions over China’s evolution away from educational prestige in favor of student well-being. In this article, young Chinese educators share their perspectives on the shift.
Full Story: EdSurge (8/4)
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(Michael Bocchieri/Getty Images)
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The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, advanced by the Senate, contains a provision to create the Affordable Connectivity Program, which would provide low-income college students discounts for broadband. Under the program, Pell Grant recipients would be eligible for $30 subsidies toward the purchase of high-speed internet.
Full Story: Inside Higher Ed (8/10), The New York Times (8/10)
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New Hampshire Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut is taking several steps to help schools prepare for challenges caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Such steps are transitioning to Canvas’ learning management system and Discovery Education’s K-12 learning platform, establishing small-group learning pods and providing tutoring.
Full Story: District Administration (8/9)
In the fall, Verizon plans to expand its Innovative Learning platform to a total of 511 schools around the country, says Alex Servello, director of corporate responsibility for Verizon. In this interview, Servello discusses how the program has been aimed at closing the digital divide even before the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Full Story: TechRepublic (8/9)
One of the changes brought about by the pandemic is a greater emphasis on remote education during teacher training, says Jennifer Krawec of the University of Miami. Colleges and universities across the country are training future teachers to incorporate digital tools into the classroom, create virtual lesson materials and use videoconferencing software, so they are prepared to teach remote as well as in-person students.
Full Story: The Associated Press (8/10)
Students will likely need additional support as they return to the classroom this year, writes Kelly Mendoza, vice president of education programs at Common Sense Education. In this commentary, Mendoza shares tips to help integrate social and emotional learning for students’ digital lives, including engaging families.
Full Story: T.H.E. Journal (8/11)
Other News:
Back to the regular Google News alert for virtual school.
COVID-19 surge has more parents, students looking to virtual school
On July 26, 990 students were enrolled in Lee Virtual School. A week and a half later, that number jumped to 1,064. Lee Virtual School has been an …
Considering LRSD virtual school? Read this. Also, the district wants you to make up your mind by …
The school district had previously said families could enroll in the virtual school as late as Aug. 16, the first day of school. They still can, Superintendent …
Henrico’s virtual school waitlist grows as uncertainty looms
Henrico’s virtual school waitlist grows as uncertainty looms … Thousands of Henrico parents made a decision early this year to send their children back to …
Enrollment in virtual school surges
TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) – Tucson Unified’s virtual learning program is now online and enrollment is booming. This is the first year TUSD is …
Virtual School Head
This role will be the recognised statutory role. In addition, the Virtual School Head will support previously looked-after children and make information and …
Push For Virtual School Option In NJ Gains Steam As Delta Spreads
BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A push for having a virtual school option in New Jersey is gaining momentum as positive coronavirus cases associated with …
FULTON COUNTY: What students and parents need to know about back to school policies
Virtual School: 1,500 slots are open for virtual learners. Families are asked to make a year-long commitment; Families interested in registering for an …
Texas schools must order students to quarantine for COVID-19, state education chief says
… session opens the door for legislation to fund public school virtual learning programs outside of those in the state-run Texas Virtual School Network.
Back to School FAQ: What you need to know in Duval County
Same as last year, if 20 percent of a school’s community reports exposure to COVID-19, the school will temporarily pivot to virtual school. For individual …
Conroe ISD sets limited virtual program for first semester
“I want to emphasize to you that this is not virtual school like we all became accustomed to over the last year,” CISD Superintendent Curtis Null …
First day of school 2021: New worries for some parents, as COVID cases rise but face mask rules fall
The state virtual school also has seen an uptick in enrollment in recent weeks, with more than 9,000 full-time students expected. Rob DeGaine, a …
The pandemic showed parents what wasn’t working for their children. Now they are exploring …
The shift to virtual school had its challenges, too. Working from home, Schmidt had to help guide her daughter. “She struggled a little the first semester …
Health challenges return with start of school
… of the disease, and most of us assumed students would finally be able to return to classrooms, While Florida’s virtual school option is still available, …
West Virginia Department of Education outlines operations, recovery guidance for fall 2021
Lastly, in terms of virtual school, Burch said state law requires that school systems offer a virtual school program to students in grades 6-12, and many …
WATCH: School officials stress importance of local control
Cook said Lakeside will use Florida Virtual School as a learning option for all students, grades K-12, though there will be a strict policy of doing one or …
What does a new school year hold in Manatee during a COVID surge? Expect some changes
“People say, ‘Put your kid in Florida Virtual School.’ I shouldn’t have to do that,” DeMichiel said. “Her mental health is already suffering because she’s …
‘The bigger thing we’re providing is hope:’ Back-to-School Bash at Dent Middle School provides …
“We know that we’ve gone through a trying time, be it COVID, virtual school, just all the different changes in life. And, the bigger thing we’re providing is …
Students find their place at home, outdoors with education alternatives amid pandemic
Parents guide to virtual school:9 questions to help vet your back-to-school choices. “Brain research shows kids really retain information when playing …
Houston children, families take shots at ‘Super Saturday’ vaccine drives
Lynette Petithomme, an already vaccinated nurse, was among those eager to get a shot for her 15-year-old daughter, Uriah Larry, who attended virtual …
JOHNSTON: The politically correct way to eat a watermelon
Of course, you can’t do that with virtual school. The best you could do would be to hit the camera.
STX Parents Express Mixed Emotions About Return of Virtual School
STX Parents Express Mixed Emotions About Return of Virtual School. By Diana Dias. August 9, 2021.
Cy-Fair ISD will offer virtual learning options for young students, joining Fort Bend ISD, Conroe ISD
FBISD said it started working on “limited-enrollment virtual school.” As data continues to show surging COVID infection rates, FBISD began work this …
Texas Connections Academy offering virtual learning for students
“Because we are a Texas virtual school – a public school, it is required that our students have prior public enrollment,” said Lindsey. “Families can …
Virtual school enrollment up as COVID-19 cases rise
Virtual school enrollment up as COVID-19 cases rise … To keep up with the latest local news subscribe to our TV20 newsletter HERE and receive news …
This is what you need to know as Knox County Schools start a new school year
The enrollment period for virtual school has ended. There is not a virtual option for preschool or kindergarten students. The rest of schools will be …
FBI, DOE still investigating Alabama virtual schools
… Alabama, but they also were interested in other virtual schools and the origins of the virtual school legislation and its implementation.
Back to school 2021: Which Alabama schools offer virtual learning? Can I still enroll?
They have not offered any virtual school this year and it’s scary,” said Justin Howell, a Jasper City parent. Some districts are requiring students interested …
Seven tuition-free online public schools endorsed by the TEA
The Texas Education Agency has a list called the Texas Virtual School Network, which includes seven fully virtual schools that are accredited by the …
‘No child will be left behind’: Richmond County’s eSchool starts Monday
eSchool allows students who liked being in virtual school this past year to continue as full-time virtual students. Principal Kierstin Johnson stressed …
Texarkana family ahead of virtual learning curve | ‘We started this before it became cool,’ mom says
Well, homeschooling is different than virtual school. With homeschooling, you get to pick and choose what classes your child takes. But this is still …
Thousands of Florida parents choose virtual school options as COVID cases climb
Hundreds of parents in Tampa Bay are rushing to enroll their kids in virtual school programs as COVID-19 cases climb. Nicole Boyle, a Tarpon Springs …
Virtual school enrollment in Florida, nationally on the rise
Enrollment at Florida’s statewide public online virtual school is climbing as the coronavirus Delta variant surges amid fall semester school re-openings.
No Virtual Classes: How School Districts Say They Will Handle Education In Quarantine
The Texas Virtual School Network is available for free to all 3rd to-12th graders who are accepted. Get more information from —. Texas Education …
The COVID surge has some parents considering virtual school. But is the system ready for them?
The EBR Virtual Academy, which had only about 30 students last year, all in high school, is being expanded all the way down to PreK. The virtual school …
Why Some KPS Families Are Sticking With Virtual School
Others are keeping their children home because they’re thriving in virtual school. And for some families, it’s both. “His overall learning improved at …
Texas Senate committee advances virtual learning bill to expand online classes
Texas Senators faced a dilemma before a committee approved a bill seeking state funding for virtual school. Schools are pleading with the state to …
English school boards release number of students opting out of in-person learning
… be the hybrid model, virtual school or e-learning. Meanwhile, the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board said based on their June declaration …
HISD Looking To Expand Virtual Learning Ahead Of Upcoming School Year
The district partners with Texas Connections Academy Houston, an approved HISD campus charter, to offer free public virtual school for grades 3-12, …
Texas Senate Committee To Hold Hearing On Virtual Instruction For Students As COVID-19 Cases …
He can also, by the way, authorize virtual school fully within his power. He’s just chosen not to do that. So we want to make sure we give parents that …
North Texas Families Discovering Free Alternative To In-Person School
The Lyns found the Texas Virtual School Network when they felt uncomfortable sending Logan back to fifth grade. Logan attended i-University Prep.
Vernon School Board expands virtual program
The district’s virtual school plan for this year will require all students learning virtually to maintain “academic integrity,” which school officials defined as …
Some Shelby County Schools students return to Memphis Virtual School
“The Memphis Virtual School is a little bit different. It is an online curriculum,” said Valerie Matthews. Credit …
When ‘Back to School’ Still Means Opening Up a Laptop
In Oregon, though, where 78 percent of kids finished out the 2020–2021 school year in full or part-time virtual school, a handful of local districts either …
Katy ISD to offer virtual school for grades K-6
Katy ISD to offer virtual school for grades K-6. Photo of Claire Goodman · Claire Goodman, Staff writer. Aug. 11, 2021. Comments. Leslie Haack …
Many Wake County parents frustrated as virtual school registration closed with COVID-19 cases …
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Wake County Public Schools announced that no more students can move into its virtual academy. It comes as at least six …
Teachers’ Union President Not Surprised Over Student Opt Out Numbers
Spagnuolo says, while there was a virtual school last year, this is still new ground for the union. “We really don’t have any collective agreement language …
Virtual school option? Ahead of 1st day, concerns mount amid delta spread
As COVID-19’s delta variant spreads in Buncombe County, several Asheville City Schools parents have voiced concerns with the district’s lack of a …
Rainbow board taking ‘cautiously optimistic approach’ with back-to-school plan
The board is now asking parents and guardians whether they wish their children to attend school for the 2021-22 school year in-person or via virtual …
Editorial: School districts keeping virtual options despite lower interest this year
Editorial · Virtual School · Student · Enrollment · School · Education · Intermediate School · Option · Pandemic · Vaccine · School District · Parents …
COVID-19 increased school board engagement in Lakewood thanks to virtual meetings
For some, that meant taking care of things around the house while listening in to virtual school board meetings. The back-to-school routine is almost in …
Fewer students choose virtual school this year
That’s compared to around 8,800 who were enrolled in the virtual school last year. These students will be part of virtual classrooms with a dedicated …
Hundreds of students wait to be enrolled in Palm Beach Virtual School
Hundreds of students wait to be enrolled in Palm Beach Virtual School. by Madeline Montgomery. Thursday, August 12th 2021. AA.
Virtual options not available for families concerned about COVID spread in public schools
Megan Diveley watches as COVID-19 cases continue to rise both locally and nationally, and wishes for an option she doesn’t have. The Augusta …
Here’s what we know about Philadelphia’s remote school option
MEMPHIS, TN – March 16, 2021: Jalan Clemmons, a freshman at Hamilton A student pulls up his computer at home during a virtual school day. As …
Prince William school officials resist calls to allow virtual opt-in
In Prince William County, a petition to allow parents to choose virtual school had 207 signatures Thursday morning. “On May 28, 2021, the deadline for …
Fairfax, Prince William parents launch petitions requesting virtual school opt-in
In Prince William County, a petition to allow parents to choose virtual school had 207 signatures Thursday morning. “On May 28, 2021, the deadline for …
Pearl River High School Quarantines 40% Of Students In First Week, District Going Virtual
At Monday night’s virtual school-board meeting, Lumpkin asked the school to consider adding a mask mandate and to decide what to do if three or …
West Ada School District floating new option for in-person learning
“They are getting the same level of education that virtual school house offers opposed to the in-person option they have enjoyed their entire lives.
East Side Elementary fifth grade classes moved to virtual school, as school reports ‘high positive …
Meanwhile, parents of children at other Cobb Schools report they’ve also received concerning notifications via email. East Side fifth-graders in virtual …
My Kids’ School Won’t Reinstate Masks Despite a Recent Surge in COVID Cases. Here’s What I …
… and their elementary school to get records that the virtual charter needed, I forwarded the virtual school information to other concerned parents.
Finally, the Google News alert for cyber school.
Conneaut making adjustments to cyber academy
The cyber academy is the school district’s fully functioning cyber school, and is separate from the remote education students occasionally had to …
District plans upgrades, classroom walls at West Scranton Intermediate School
Parents will have no other choice than to cyber school their children without being able to get to the schools due to schools being miles from there …
Kline’s Korner: WASD At-a-Glance in 2021/22
The school district is trying to compete with the cyber charter schools to help keep local tax money in the community, and not going to for-profit cyber …
North Hills school board fails repeated attempts to OK return-to-school health plan over mask debate
Mannarino said students still can attend cyber school, but instruction will come from the Allegheny Intermediate Unit instead of the North Hills Cyber …
A dispute on funding: Pennsylvania weighs how to fund charter schools
… student expenditure amount, which is problematic because the rate isn’t dependent on the cyber school’s actual cost to educate a student,” Jeff Kline …
Searching for ‘Normal’
They are also highly ineffective; not one cyber school in Pennsylvania has ever made passing scores on state evaluations. Most public school districts …
Labor Voices: For-profit cyber schools can’t replace in-person learning
The study showed that cyber school students received the equivalent of 180 fewer days of learning in math and 72 fewer days of instruction in reading …
Milton Area School District will not require masks
Karen Bottorf, who has a daughter in eighth grade, told the school board prior to the vote that she would pull her child from school and enroll her in cyber …
UPDATED: North Penn School Board masking debate erupts into mayhem
… and withdrew a third from North Penn High School into a cyber school last year. “The reason I pulled my daughter, in August of 2020, was because …
If Precautions Are Taken, Public Health Experts Say It Is Safe To Send Kids To School
… don’t change the policy to have masking be required, then I’m going to be looking into cyber school opportunities for Olivia,” said Nora DiNuzzo.
Parents in Shippensburg fight for mask mandate to be removed during heated board meeting
“I went online and enrolled them in cyber school because I don’t think this is going to get overruled by the time they go to school next Thursday and I …
Virtual Academy available for BASD students who prefer learning online
“For the most part, students who attended cyber (school) last year struggled more than the students who were here for in-person instruction,” Pude …
Construction and workforce growth highlight Fort Gordon’s garrison commanders presentation
In addition to road work, construction for the Cyber School campus has begun at Fort Gordon. Two of the major buildings on campus are under …
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