Distance Learning FAQ

​Dear Members:
 
This is the FAQ that I promised earlier.  Lots to report today, so off we go…and don’t scroll down to the bottom for the humor.  Be good boys and girls.  But the humor is especially good today.  You better go get yourself a cold beverage before you start reading.
 

• We presented a few options at lesson delivery to the district, but they weren’t interested.  One was developed by Modesto City Schools.  Go to http://mcs4kids.com/ and be astounded.  It’s incredible.  We’re better than this.  We’re using Teams and we’re not even trained in that…let alone the kids.  Another good one is Stockton Unified, Lodi and even teeny tiny Linden is providing access to several learning websites with packets.

 

• Some noteworthy questions you might be interested in…
  1. IEPs and SPED.   IEPs could be done via phone conference, skype, or the like, or delayed until the crisis is over because this is considered an emergency.  IEPs should not be done in person.  Period.
  2. Why is the work is optional for students?  If THE most important school factor (according to research) is removed from a student’s learning (that’s you by the way) do you think you’re setting up the student for failure?  Do you really think kids will be successful in learning if you’re not there in front of them?  You change the learning conditions, but keep the same grading conditions, and that’s okay????  If the district changes our working conditions (which they did) we negotiate that.  Students have no advocate but…us.
  3. What is THE most important factor (according to research) to a student’s learning(socio-economic)?  And it’s not even close.
  4. Friday, April 3 is a non-flexible teacher prep day.  You must be at school that day.  We asked for this day if the kids return on April 6.  April 6 is our return date AS OF NOW.  I’m still taking bets by the way that we stay closed for longer than two weeks.
  5. Packets are allowed.  You decide.  The students are supposed to return the packets, but I’m assuming they will be destroyed.  Don’t touch them if they return them to you, of course.  They shouldn’t return them to you.  That’s what I asked for.
  6. This is a big one…our agreement states, “The distribution and collection of work by individual teachers may be conducted through digital means.“  That means, packets ARE allowed.  School site budgets will be increased to take care of the extra cost of printing. So, you decide.  Printing or digital learning.  Principals were told today that packets were only allowed for TK.  WRONG!  Anyone. Just send it in via PrintShop as usual.  No print shop money left?  Talk to your site admin.
  7. The assignments do not have to be graded.  If you have concerns about that, go back to #2.
  8. You can use Teams…or not.  You can do digital or paper. It’s your choice. Teams isn’t the only choice. You do not have to go in on Monday. It’s your choice.
  9. I’m trying to be a teamplayer.  Really, I am.  But, I’m not familiar with Teams as I am sure most of you are.  And why are we implementing this now?  I’m a big believer in KISS.  Keep It Simple Stupid.
  10. Every day you’re working from home, but you are on call.  You need to establish office hours and notify your students and their parents.  If you want to come in, refer to your site principal directions.  Each one is providing a day for you to show up.  If you do show up to pick up some things, the district provided a checklist of things you may want to consider taking home some of these items…” Key word…may.  Do you want your chair?  Do you want your document camera?  Do you want anything?  If the answer is no, then don’t bother even going in.
  11. Do not go around and talk to others in their classrooms.  That room was deep cleaned, and by walking in, you have now defeated the purpose of that.  You have also made that room a risk to the educator who works there.  Chat another time when this is all over.  Don’t go in the staff lounge. Think how many people have been in there?
  12. Do not FaceTime or Skype with students.  Period.  You don’t want to be accused of something and risk your career.
  13. Remember, your school site is setting up days for students to pick up devices, but not books. That would be a crazy mad rush.  Hellllllo, six feet apart.
  14. I had a discussion about ranting.  A person said, “I shouldn’t be ranting to you.”  I laughed, and said, “Rant anytime you want during the next two weeks.  Don’t hold it in.  Rant away!  Your health is important.”  So, rant away to each other or to me if you want to.  😊

 
I want to thank those of you that have emailed me, advocating for your students, your school sites, and yourselves.  If you have done that, you are officially a Union Thug because you care about the learning conditions of your students which are YOUR working conditions.  Funny how that works.  I have to laugh when someone writes, “ I don’t mean to bother you.”  You’re not bothering me.  You’re bothering me if you DO have a question, and you DON’T ask.