Remote Learning and the Opportunity Gap

On Monday, we begin remote teaching and learning. Like most districts and schools around the country, we are trying to find ways to keep kids engaged and learning in uncertain times. My site begins our technology deployment on Monday, distributing Chromebooks to families in need of devices. Our hot spots are on back order, but we will distribute those as well as soon as they come in.

But devices and internet access are only a small part of the opportunity gap that exists for our students. The directions from the district and the state are to minimize new learning during this time. We are to reinforce what we’ve already taught, give students resources to help them learn if they want and/or are able, and try to keep somewhat of a sense of normalcy.

Many of my students will do just fine during this school closure. Overseen by their parents, they will take advantage of the instruction and resources offered by our teachers. They will connect on Zoom with their teachers, and talk to their parents about what they are learning. They will develop stronger work habits and executive functioning skills as they learn to manage their time and organize their study area. Despite this disruption to their learning, they will still do well in junior high and high school, and still get into the university of their choice. They will succeed.

But then there are the other students. The ones that don’t turn in homework. The ones that arrive to school unprepared, both academically and social-emotionally. The ones for whom school is their safe place and their routine. My heart breaks for these students. And my rallying cry to teachers is going to be on behalf of these students.

“In loco parentis” has never been more important than right now. According to Wikipedia, the term means “the legal responsibility of a person or organization to take on some of the functions and responsibilities of a parent.” We do that at school, and now we have to find a way to reach into the home to take on the function and responsibility of continuing to educate and support our most vulnerable students. We need to go to extraordinary lengths to create a nurturing environment which ensures that all students are continuing to learn. We need to be creative to make certain that all students are getting the interventions and supports they need. Ultimately, we need to do whatever it takes to guarantee that the opportunity gap does not grow on our watch.