Berkeley: Reflections On Distance Learning; Looking Forward

Press release from Berkeley Public Schools:

April 17, 2020

Dear Berkeley Public School Community,

As this week closes, I’d like to offer a few reflections about our second week of district-wide distance learning, and as best I can, a look ahead at what may be on the way.

First, we continue to be in a time of truly nerve-wracking uncertainty, and I acknowledge and respect that the COVID-19 crisis is impacting our community in many different ways, including unemployment, housing and food uncertainty, emotional distress and isolation, boredom, and an uncountable number of lost experiences. We should take heart that our shared sacrifices appear to be making a difference in the spread of coronavirus and that together we are saving lives. But still, all of this is extremely difficult and the impact is cumulative.

This week, many more students and teachers appear to have developed a beginning rhythm for distance learning, and I admire our teachers, students, and families for trying hard to make this work. Still, there are many issues that remain in front of us. We continue to make progress toward restoring Zoom to full use, but we’re not there yet. We’re also working on online graduation activities, providing additional clarity about grading and optional work, and internet access.

Planning for the Summer

We do not know yet whether BUSD will be permitted to conduct summer programs in our school facilities, or whether summer camps and programs will be able to operate. We’re beginning planning now for a distance learning version of summer learning, both for the programs we usually operate, like Special Education, BEARS, and credit recovery, and for an expanded set of enrichment and academic offerings for students. We hope to partner with a variety of Berkeley summer programs to develop a variety of options for students, with a special lens on serving students who are most vulnerable during this crisis.

Planning for Next Year

After Governor Gavin Newsom shared his Roadmap for Lifting Shelter-In-Place Orders this week, it appears that school in the Fall will continue to be profoundly affected by coronavirus, with physical distancing measures required in order for students to return to school. In his remarks on the subject, he suggested that half-day instruction, smaller class size, weekend offerings, and even staggered year-round school calendars may have to be considered by districts. We can easily speculate that the 2020-2021 school year might have to look like a hybrid version of in-person schooling on our campuses, along with many ongoing elements of distance learning.

All of these possibilities are a lot to contend with, and I recognize that another intensive round of new planning, consultation, and communication with Berkeley families and staff will be necessary to respond to this next stage of the COVID-19 crisis.

State Revenue for Public Schools

On Wednesday evening, the Board of Education completed its approval of $1.3 million in cuts for the coming school year. Sadly, our 2020-2021 budget is now also uncertain. Many news reports indicate that a large recession is looming, and that public schools may experience dramatic reductions in funding in only a few months. To be proactive about this potential challenge, I plan to re-convene the Superintendent’s Budget Advisory Committee, and consult other district budget committees to begin developing lists of possible additional cuts should we be required in May or June to make additional reductions.

Patience and Compassion

As a final thought, this moment calls for patience and compassion – most especially for our young people. School, the foundation of students’ social and educational experience, has been pulled away, and many of our children are in distress. The same is true for parents/guardians, and for our staff. In the middle of trying to resolve an overwhelming number of technical issues, I’m trying hard not to lose track of the importance of connection, communication, patience, and compassion. Always important in school, these values have never been more essential. In the midst of so many unresolved questions, practicing these values is the right approach.

This article from tolerance.org has garnered lots of attention this week, and if you have a few minutes, I recommend it.

My best wishes for this weekend, and for finding some respite from any challenges you and your family may be experiencing.

In gratitude-

Brent Stephens, Ed.D.
Superintendent

This press release was produced by Berkeley Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.