At their annual conference March 30, held virtually, district superintendents shared their plans to address unfinished learning this summer and next fall. Several themes emerged:
- Literacy is the focus. Aledo Superintendent Susan Bohn said they are “doubling down” on best practices through professional development and PLC’s. Dr. Kevin Rogers, Lewisville ISD Superintendent, plans to double up on literacy check-ins with teachers to review each student’s literacy growth more frequently.
- Meeting the social-emotional needs of students—and of teachers—is also a concern. Doug Killian described how Pflugerville ISD will provide trauma-informed care district wide, coupling it with their literacy program.
- District leaders are considering the unique needs of early learners who have missed PreK or K. Hutto Superintendent Celine Estrada-Thomas talked about keeping young students with their grade-level cohorts and reducing class sizes as well as providing teachers with professional development to help them accelerate students’ learning.
- Families will continue to be involved more than in the past. Jamie Wilson of Denton said he expects families will continue to take ownership of their students’ learning, just as they have made decisions about remote or in-person learning this year. Superintendent Michelle McCord of Frenship talked about the districts’ efforts to reach out to families to make them feel safe sending their young children to school in the fall.
- Summer learning experiences will combine academics and enrichment. Cleveland Superintendent Chris Trotter plans to keep their school libraries open over the summer, saying, “I want books in the hands of these students and their families.” Libraries will be staffed by teachers, who will provide mini-lessons for students.
- All the superintendents mentioned using data to help teachers develop personal learning plans. Martha Salazar-Zamora from Tomball ISD said all students will be screened with the Renaissance Universal screener.
Dr. Rogers summed up the feelings of many when he commented, “This is a two-to-three year journey” to address unfinished learning resulting from the pandemic.