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Tuning in to the OCDSB meeting. I didn’t get myself on the delegation list but looking forward to the discussion.
First delegate was a no show. @ArielTroster is up next. But she is muted!!!!
Ok she’s on and is pretty much expressing an experience with Learn at Home that mirrors mine. She appreciates the tough position the province has put the Board in.
Trustee Bell asks what support she’d like to see in terms of mental health support upon the return to school. Trustee Fisher asks what a better situation would be. Ideal is 5 days a week
Children still require supervision so online learning just doesn’t work, even with two days a week. We can’t white knuckle it any more, says @ArielTroster
Next speaker is a dad - reminds trustees they have a duty to advocate on students and families. Asks them to publicly advocate for a return to full time schooling, with adequate resources to make it work. Creative solutions are possible
We could golfing months ago, but my kids can’t play on a playground and their learning is suffering, he says. Going forward with anything less than a full return will be a disaster, especially for vulnerable communities. Ends with support for teachers
Another dad up next - asking for education to be prioritized, esp for primary. Cites CHEO and other health sources. Getting the resources to make it happen should be top priority.
Next parent’s technical difficulties are illustrating very well the problematic nature of relying on remote learning. She’s particularly concerned about her grade 1 daughter who is on the online spectrum
The stated goal of maintaining curriculum when parents are delivering the education 3 days a week is unrealistic
And was called to dinner, so bye!
Ok back - to the parent that says “I can’t be the only one who feels that I’m being told to just figure it out” - I’m with you. Thanks for your frank description of what the hybrid model means for your family of 4 kids
And your point about the system relying on our free labour: *chef’s kiss*
Next dad is “utterly dismayed” by the proposed hybrid model, signalling mental health impacts in particular. makes alarming and out of touch assumptions about the realities facing working parents
Part time school is not the safer option. It takes political will. Calls for action and advocacy from trustees
Next parent has 2 kids in grade 12 and is very concerned about the quality of education, especially for 1 kid with dyslexia. Was told by LSTs to hire a private tutor - that would never have happened had she been in school
Teens are a lot more difficult to manage, they will just do what they want in the end, depression is a huge issue.
Mom of immunocompromised 4yo - kids are missing out, online learning not working - more worried about increased exposure, number of contacts involved in hybrid model when kids are in a range of arrangements on the off days
She’s clearly done the risk analysis for her family
Next dad: teachers are the shepherds of our kids’ future. We need to provide the adequate facilities and schooling - provide a safe learning environment
Next speaker emphasizes that the pandemic is temporary - he’s leaning towards hybrid model, feels it reduces exposure and creates resilience? But can be persuaded he says. Worried about future lockdowns, second wave.
Looks at Dutch studies (they went back FT I believe, so not getting why he cites there).
Next dad makes point that digital transformation is more than just shoving stuff online. He imagines a scenario of online learning but driven by research and best practice! Thinks the local design community can help
School board doesn’t develop or design curriculum so not sure how that would work
Next speaker is an education worker and a parent. And a single mom. She’s being out in a position where she is being forced to choose between her daughter’s education and her job. She was in CERB this spring so could support her - that won’t be possible in the fall
next speaker describes the impact of isolation on her 11yo - anxiety and stress made learning impossible. Pretty much the same experience we had with ours
She has excellent recommendations about what Learn at Home could look like in the event of a second wave and the need to shut down
Ok now my dog is whining for a walk he’s not going to get because our family is melting.
Super annoyed at trustees asking parents demanding full time learning to choose which hybrid model is best
Ok still watching. The point one parent made about how child care providers could be expected to support online learning if kids are at day care 3 days a week is an excellent one
