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Strategies for Teaching Based on Autism Research

August Newsletter | Setting Up Student Learning for Success

HomeAugust Newsletter | Setting Up Student Learning for Success

Setting Up Student Learning for Success During COVID-19 

Due to COVID-19, education for the 2020-21 school year may take different forms: in-person, hybrid, and remote learning. For in-person learning, establishing a safe and healthy classroom will be crucial to teaching in the upcoming school year. For hybrid and remote learning, crafting a remote learning plan will be important in balancing schedules. Below, we explore some tips for creating a successful learning plan. 

Note: When preparing a learning plan, consult current public health guidance from state and local health authorities, guidance from your state’s education department, and operational guidelines provided by your district and administrators.

In-Person Learning

It will be crucial to plan for social distancing when setting up your classroom for in-person learning. Ensure six feet distance between students by allowing more space for circle and greeting in early childhood and primary classrooms, and position all individual desks facing forward to discourage group gatherings in secondary classrooms. Need ideas on how to set up your classroom? Check out some example classroom setups here.

Hygiene will also be a big component of in-person learning. Be sure to set up multiple hygiene stations throughout the classroom that include hand sanitizer, wipes, extra masks, and gloves. You’ll also want to include more time in schedules for frequent hand-washing. Routines like arrival, departure, transitions, and movement activities will need to be set up to ensure distancing. Our free Safe and Healthy Classroom Action Plan breaks down different considerations for in-person learning.

Hybrid Learning

Hybrid learning includes a combination of in-person learning and remote learning, conducted simultaneously. With students continuously moving between school and home in the hybrid learning model, scheduling time for each will be essential. Remote learning in hybrid plans must also include a balance of synchronous (real time instruction) and asynchronous (at-home packets) instruction. To help keep track of all these moving pieces, we suggest breaking down your schedule into daily and weekly schedules. Not sure what that might even look like? Try our free instructional plan scenarios, including daily and weekly schedules for early childhood, primary, and secondary classrooms.

Remote Learning

Remote learning combines synchronous and asynchronous learning to continue to provide students with an IEP-driven curriculum. Synchronous remote learning provides real-time instruction from a trained educator. This method also offers caregivers a solution to the challenge of sourcing material appropriate for their children’s learning levels. Asynchronous remote learning includes pre-recorded videos, home packets, at-home activities, independent work, and other instructorless materials. While asynchronous remote instruction reinforces learned skills, a combination of both ensures FAPE and sets students up for success with an IEP-driven curriculum.

Wondering what a full remote schedule might look like or what you should consider in your remote learning plan? Find our free remote learning resources here.

Not sure which learning type your school is going with? Or will it be a combination of all three?

We know that many schools and districts are still deciding what the 2020-21 school year will look like—decisions made in August will potentially change by September, depending on new health and operational guidelines. This uncertainty makes it challenging to choose which curriculum is best for your students, and from there, to plan for the school year. We’ve got you covered. Our STAR Online Learning System (SOLS) works with other STAR curricula to provide a cohesive instructional plan and seamless transition between in-person and remote learning. A synchronous remote platform with additional asynchronous activities, SOLS will help you navigate in-person,
hybrid, and remote learning with ease.