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PSA
Families are understandably frustrated about the low-quality of virtual schooling. But let's not mistake this for a case of teachers "mailing it in," students "giving up," or schools "failing."
[Short thread]
Families are understandably frustrated about the low-quality of virtual schooling. But let's not mistake this for a case of teachers "mailing it in," students "giving up," or schools "failing."
[Short thread]
Expecting school to move online is like expecting a theme park or an orchestra to move online. It can happen, but not in any faithful and meaningful way.
This is not due to a lack of effort by teachers, students, or school administrators.
This is not due to a lack of effort by teachers, students, or school administrators.
Virtual school is...not good. But folks: this is a global pandemic. The point is not to completely remake school for a future of computer-based learning. The point is to survive for a short period of time and then return to in-person education.
Low expectations are essential. It's hard to say that. But again, this is a global pandemic. Having high expectations for our teachers, our students, and our schools -- in this context -- is actually a disservice to all three.
And let's also remember that most of us are not educators. So when we overhear what's happening in the "virtual classroom," we may be tempted to judge ("That's not what I would be doing as the teacher!"). Teaching is not simply about hammering home content. Moreover...
Teaching in this context involves so much more than regular teaching. Educators are doing what they can to try to keep kids sane, to try to keep them engaged, and to -- yes, parents, you asked for this (myself included) -- keep them occupied.
The answer here is not to shop around for a better virtual school (trading one lemon for another), to trash teachers (imagine chefs working with vending machine ingredients), or to hate on schools (which, ultimately, we're frustrated with only because we rely on them so deeply).
Patience. Kindness. Love.
Forgiveness. Acceptance. Forbearance.
(And yes, advocacy, activism, and engagement, as always.)
Forgiveness. Acceptance. Forbearance.
(And yes, advocacy, activism, and engagement, as always.)
