Future of School (FoS) and the Digital Learning Collaborative (DLC), two national organizations leading the way toward effective district transformation, today announced the Resilient Schools Project (RSP). The RSP, a partnership between these two organizations, is an initiative to assist schools and districts with developing an ongoing response to instruction disruptions during the 2020-21 school year.
“A major focus for Future of School is on forecasting―and broadcasting―the evolution of the K-12 system in real time, and the current trends are undeniable. With unprecedented change already underway, schools and districts will need to be flexible and adaptable in order to provide a high-quality, equitable education for all learners,” said Amy Valentine, CEO of Future of School. “As we progress through the Resilient Schools Project alongside our valued partner, the Digital Learning Collaborative, we look forward to supporting districts’ needs by helping them work together to understand how online content, technology platforms, ensuring equity and access, and other key issues will support their schools and students. We aim to both address immediate needs and also set up a foundation for long-term growth and success.”
The RSP will support member schools and districts in their response to disruptions in instruction caused by COVID-19. In addition to immediate instructional and technology needs, the Project will help schools as they address a variety of different challenges and objectives, including teacher training; messaging and communication to families and the media; addressing vulnerable populations, both within the school community and at home; supporting the needs of special populations, including English language learners; and what to do if students choose to learn from home after schools have reopened.
Beyond meeting the current needs of school districts, the RSP has set long-term goals, beginning with paving the path toward a future of education where flexibility is the norm, and access and equity are ensured. More long-term goals include:
- Demonstrating the critical importance and infinite potential of building resiliency into districts while navigating difficult times and circumstances
- Highlighting the power of collaboration and connectivity in redesigning school models from a one-size-fits-all approach to creative, student-centric learning environments
- Maintaining a focus on meeting the needs of those who matter the most in schools—students
“Put simply, the Digital Learning Collaborative exists to fill the information gap in education, and right now there’s no more pressing need than helping schools and districts work together to create the knowledge to persevere and thrive in the face of the pandemic,” said John Watson, CEO of Evergreen Education Group, which manages the Digital Learning Collaborative. “We’re thrilled to work alongside Future of School in supporting member districts in the Resilient Schools Project through data-driven guidance and best practices that will lead to positive, equitable outcomes for educators and students.”
Throughout the year, the Project will operate a facilitated professional collaborative network for its member districts; find, share, and/or create guidance on key issues and best practices; meet remotely with schools in a cohort up to twice monthly; and provide support via a collaborative discussion board. The following districts have joined the Resilient Schools Project:
- Barrington Public Schools, Barrington, R.I.
- Berkeley County School District, Moncks Corner, S.C.
- Charleston County School District, Charleston, S.C.
- Dorchester County School District 2, Summerville, S.C.
- Dorchester County School District 4, St. George, S.C.
- Howard County Public School System, Ellicott City, Md.
- Joliet Public Schools District 86, Joliet, Ill.
- Mesa Public Schools, Mesa, Ariz.
- Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, Placentia, Calif.
- Sycamore Community Schools, Cincinnati, Ohio
“We are very excited to be able to participate in the Resilient Schools Project,” said Cindy Ambrose, Executive Director of the Low Country Education Consortium, which works with four of the member RSP districts. “These are unprecedented times, and a facilitated, nationally networked community focusing on our common problems of practice can be tremendously beneficial to schools and school systems.”
To learn more about the Resilient Schools Project and future participation opportunities, please e-mail Amy Valentine at avalentine@futureof.school. To track the RSP’s progress throughout the year, visit http://futureof.school/rsp.
About Future of School
Future of School (FoS) mobilizes change in American K-12 education from a one-size-fits-all system to one that ensures all students reach their unbounded potential no matter where their learning takes place. By amplifying technology’s impact on students and educators, FoS informs, inspires and spearheads much needed transformation. Learn more at http://www.futureof.school
About The Digital Learning Collaborative
The Digital Learning Collaborative (DLC) is a membership organization dedicated to exploring, producing, and disseminating data, information, news, and best practices in digital learning. The DLC works in a variety of online and blended learning settings (e.g., mainstream classrooms, alternative education, online schools, credit recovery programs), and provides opportunities for educators, policymakers, and members of the media. The Evergreen Education Group manages the Collaborative. Learn more at http://www.digitallearningcollab.com
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