MVSD recently released the document MVSD: Response Planning for K-12 Learning During COVID-19 Suspension of Classes for our communities to try to bring some clarity to expectations and to be used as a reference during this uncertain time. It closely reflects guidelines released by Manitoba Education and takes into account the local context of MVSD schools.
Our document presents a flexible approach that recognizes the challenges faced by students and families during this difficult time while stressing the importance for students to participate in distance learning.
When the Minister of Education suspended classes, the provincial government made it clear that no student would be held back due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and all students on track to graduate will graduate. However, there were still expectations for both teachers and students to continue with learning and assessment until the end of June, with outreach support for students at risk.
In addition, the province was firm in their message that assessment during the suspension of classes will largely be formative, meaning evaluating how a student is learning the material and emphasizing feedback to improve the understanding of the material. The mark the student had in a course on March 13th was frozen. The final mark a student receives on their report card cannot be below this mark. However, if a student wishes to raise their final mark, either because at that time they were not passing or they desire a better transcript, all the assignments submitted during the suspension may bring up the mark, as long as sufficient effort and grade-level outcomes are met. A teacher may ask a student to redo an assignment if it is felt the student did not meet expectations.
Simply put, COVID-19 is putting everyone through a test, forcing different responsibilities onto the participants. Teachers are being asked to immediately adapt to an unfamiliar, and frankly, difficult teaching environment. The students are no longer in front of them, easily accessible. Thus, it is difficult to evaluate a student’s learning and understanding of the curriculum. With this limitation, teachers are being asked to prioritize the remaining outcomes based on what is manageable for students to learn from home. In addition, teachers are to work to implement the learning opportunities within the home and provide ongoing support for the families as needed.
Parents have been asked to adapt to support a child’s learning and help teach the child, sometimes in areas that are very unfamiliar. There is an invaluable link between the schools and students that is required for learning that needs to be supported by parents, while encouraging children to continue their learning plans. One way to help with learning is to look for learning opportunities within the context of daily life.
Furthermore, students have been thrust into a new learning requirement that is difficult for many. They are asked to self-regulate their learning and actively participate in an unstructured learning style. Suddenly each student determines their learning progress and what that means for them in the future – whether they will have the knowledge to continue with the next steps in their lives or if they will need to strengthen their learning outcomes in the future before continuing. Ultimately, it will be up to each student how they want their future to unfold. One thing is for certain: when our students return, teachers and support staff will work hard to address any learning gaps resulting from the suspension of classes.
For more information, the MVSD: Response Planning for K-12 Learning During COVID-19 Suspension of Classes can be found on the division website at www.mvsd.ca, in addition to support resources for students and families.