Virtual Learning - Why Not MCPS?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DCPS had asynchronous learning assignments today. DCPS is back to school tomorrow on a two hour delay.

MCPS is just not well managed.

Does DCPS have better academic outcomes than MCPS? No.

So the fact that they do asynchronous learning assignments is no feather in their cap.

Also, MCPS did an asynchronous day last year and it was a disaster. Most kids didn't do the asynchronous work they were assigned on that day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Everyone with high schoolers can scream all you want, but virtual doesn't work for younger elementary kids. They don't have chromebooks. They don't have textbooks. Lessons aren't available to parents.

You’re adorable. My high schooler was actually a 3rd grader when the pandemic started and we used our own devices in the beginning. They didn’t issue Chromebooks and teachers didn’t know how to set up documents so we were printing out worksheets emailed by the central office, scanning them in and uploading them. Now teachers at least know how to set this stuff up and your kids definitely know how to use zoom.

My kids have never used zoom. And my son certainly isn't going to sit at a laptop without a paraeducator.

They don't have textbooks. We don't even get lessons for how to do the homework they send home now, nor do the teachers respond to questions about how to it (other than saying to just skip it). Virtual would be a disaster if they tried to cover anything new.

None of our kids had used zoom before the pandemic. They learned because they had to, and no, no one sent a paraeducator to our houses to teach them.

Every single kid in MCPS did virtual learning for a year. It’s not a big flex to do it for a few snow days as an imperfect alternative to having no educational opportunities at all.

The alternative isn't "no educational opportunities"! It's using the make-up days in the calendar.

There’s only 1 snow day in the MCPS calendar. What would those makeup days be?

Would they be in end June and would MCPS send out that same email that says “we know families already made plans during these days and no instruction will be going on during these days.”

My kids attended all 3 June makeup days last week and they watched videos and did teacher assigned puzzle worksheets.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We may not have virtual learning as a back up plan or enough extra days built into the school calendar to account for snow, and we might go into late June, but at least we get the superintendent’s snow day videos…

+1. Yes, and if I watch Taylor’s snow day video again, maybe I will feel better about my kids not getting 180 days of education.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Everyone with high schoolers can scream all you want, but virtual doesn't work for younger elementary kids. They don't have chromebooks. They don't have textbooks. Lessons aren't available to parents.

You’re adorable. My high schooler was actually a 3rd grader when the pandemic started and we used our own devices in the beginning. They didn’t issue Chromebooks and teachers didn’t know how to set up documents so we were printing out worksheets emailed by the central office, scanning them in and uploading them. Now teachers at least know how to set this stuff up and your kids definitely know how to use zoom.

My kids have never used zoom. And my son certainly isn't going to sit at a laptop without a paraeducator.

They don't have textbooks. We don't even get lessons for how to do the homework they send home now, nor do the teachers respond to questions about how to it (other than saying to just skip it). Virtual would be a disaster if they tried to cover anything new.

None of our kids had used zoom before the pandemic. They learned because they had to, and no, no one sent a paraeducator to our houses to teach them.

Every single kid in MCPS did virtual learning for a year. It’s not a big flex to do it for a few snow days as an imperfect alternative to having no educational opportunities at all.

The alternative isn't "no educational opportunities"! It's using the make-up days in the calendar.

There’s only 1 snow day in the MCPS calendar. What would those makeup days be?

Would they be in end June and would MCPS send out that same email that says “we know families already made plans during these days and no instruction will be going on during these days.”

My kids attended all 3 June makeup days last week and they watched videos and did teacher assigned puzzle worksheets.

I assume pp was referring to 3/20 and 4/15.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm actually going to back MCPS on this, and I usually don't.

Virtual learning does not work at scale. Especially for elementary students.

Students with parents who are fortunate enough to be at home and ensure they attend and/or pay attention might benefit. But honestly, not that much.

The counter to OP's point is what value is achieved with virtual instruction and is it worth the logistical headaches with devices and the inevitable increases in attendance and engagement that come with virtual learning? I have yet to see data that is compelling and makes a strong case for virtual instruction for the entire school district.

This was just borne out with the abysmal results for virtual learning with summer school, btw, which prompted MCPS to scale back dramatically on virtual summer school. So we're not just basing this on the pandemic experience.

It can work with invested parents and teachers. Isn't it interesting they don't realease the data about the MVA? Summer doesn't work well in any setting as they are trying to do a full semester in 2-3 weeks.

Which I acknowledged. What percentage of MCPS's population would meet the criteria of "invested parents and teachers"?

I promise you it's not 100%. And I'd be skeptical even of claims that it's 60% of the MCPS population.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Everyone with high schoolers can scream all you want, but virtual doesn't work for younger elementary kids. They don't have chromebooks. They don't have textbooks. Lessons aren't available to parents.

You’re adorable. My high schooler was actually a 3rd grader when the pandemic started and we used our own devices in the beginning. They didn’t issue Chromebooks and teachers didn’t know how to set up documents so we were printing out worksheets emailed by the central office, scanning them in and uploading them. Now teachers at least know how to set this stuff up and your kids definitely know how to use zoom.

My kids have never used zoom. And my son certainly isn't going to sit at a laptop without a paraeducator.

They don't have textbooks. We don't even get lessons for how to do the homework they send home now, nor do the teachers respond to questions about how to it (other than saying to just skip it). Virtual would be a disaster if they tried to cover anything new.

None of our kids had used zoom before the pandemic. They learned because they had to, and no, no one sent a paraeducator to our houses to teach them.

Every single kid in MCPS did virtual learning for a year. It’s not a big flex to do it for a few snow days as an imperfect alternative to having no educational opportunities at all.

The alternative isn't "no educational opportunities"! It's using the make-up days in the calendar.

There’s only 1 snow day in the MCPS calendar. What would those makeup days be?

Would they be in end June and would MCPS send out that same email that says “we know families already made plans during these days and no instruction will be going on during these days.”

My kids attended all 3 June makeup days last week and they watched videos and did teacher assigned puzzle worksheets.

I assume pp was referring to 3/20 and 4/15.

Who agreed to use 3/20 and 4/15? Last year they just tacked on days at end June.

Anyway MCPS needs to make up 4 snow days already and we haven’t even finished January. Whomever put only 1 snow day into the school year should be fired for incompetence

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DCPS had asynchronous learning assignments today. DCPS is back to school tomorrow on a two hour delay.

MCPS is just not well managed.

Does DCPS have better academic outcomes than MCPS? No.

So the fact that they do asynchronous learning assignments is no feather in their cap.

Also, MCPS did an asynchronous day last year and it was a disaster. Most kids didn't do the asynchronous work they were assigned on that day.

My kids did the work, why didn't yours?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm actually going to back MCPS on this, and I usually don't.

Virtual learning does not work at scale. Especially for elementary students.

Students with parents who are fortunate enough to be at home and ensure they attend and/or pay attention might benefit. But honestly, not that much.

The counter to OP's point is what value is achieved with virtual instruction and is it worth the logistical headaches with devices and the inevitable increases in attendance and engagement that come with virtual learning? I have yet to see data that is compelling and makes a strong case for virtual instruction for the entire school district.

This was just borne out with the abysmal results for virtual learning with summer school, btw, which prompted MCPS to scale back dramatically on virtual summer school. So we're not just basing this on the pandemic experience.

It can work with invested parents and teachers. Isn't it interesting they don't realease the data about the MVA? Summer doesn't work well in any setting as they are trying to do a full semester in 2-3 weeks.

Which I acknowledged. What percentage of MCPS's population would meet the criteria of "invested parents and teachers"?

I promise you it's not 100%. And I'd be skeptical even of claims that it's 60% of the MCPS population.

I would think more than you realize but it takes school and teacher communication with parents so they know what's going on. Any kids that don't do th work, fail. Simple.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Everyone with high schoolers can scream all you want, but virtual doesn't work for younger elementary kids. They don't have chromebooks. They don't have textbooks. Lessons aren't available to parents.

You’re adorable. My high schooler was actually a 3rd grader when the pandemic started and we used our own devices in the beginning. They didn’t issue Chromebooks and teachers didn’t know how to set up documents so we were printing out worksheets emailed by the central office, scanning them in and uploading them. Now teachers at least know how to set this stuff up and your kids definitely know how to use zoom.

My kids have never used zoom. And my son certainly isn't going to sit at a laptop without a paraeducator.

They don't have textbooks. We don't even get lessons for how to do the homework they send home now, nor do the teachers respond to questions about how to it (other than saying to just skip it). Virtual would be a disaster if they tried to cover anything new.

None of our kids had used zoom before the pandemic. They learned because they had to, and no, no one sent a paraeducator to our houses to teach them.

Every single kid in MCPS did virtual learning for a year. It’s not a big flex to do it for a few snow days as an imperfect alternative to having no educational opportunities at all.

The alternative isn't "no educational opportunities"! It's using the make-up days in the calendar.

There’s only 1 snow day in the MCPS calendar. What would those makeup days be?

Would they be in end June and would MCPS send out that same email that says “we know families already made plans during these days and no instruction will be going on during these days.”

My kids attended all 3 June makeup days last week and they watched videos and did teacher assigned puzzle worksheets.

I assume pp was referring to 3/20 and 4/15.

Who agreed to use 3/20 and 4/15? Last year they just tacked on days at end June.

Anyway MCPS needs to make up 4 snow days already and we haven’t even finished January. Whomever put only 1 snow day into the school year should be fired for incompetence

They’re designated contingency days. No one’s agreed to make them instructional days but I think a majority of students and parents would support that over being in school until July.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Everyone with high schoolers can scream all you want, but virtual doesn't work for younger elementary kids. They don't have chromebooks. They don't have textbooks. Lessons aren't available to parents.

You’re adorable. My high schooler was actually a 3rd grader when the pandemic started and we used our own devices in the beginning. They didn’t issue Chromebooks and teachers didn’t know how to set up documents so we were printing out worksheets emailed by the central office, scanning them in and uploading them. Now teachers at least know how to set this stuff up and your kids definitely know how to use zoom.

My kids have never used zoom. And my son certainly isn't going to sit at a laptop without a paraeducator.

They don't have textbooks. We don't even get lessons for how to do the homework they send home now, nor do the teachers respond to questions about how to it (other than saying to just skip it). Virtual would be a disaster if they tried to cover anything new.

None of our kids had used zoom before the pandemic. They learned because they had to, and no, no one sent a paraeducator to our houses to teach them.

Every single kid in MCPS did virtual learning for a year. It’s not a big flex to do it for a few snow days as an imperfect alternative to having no educational opportunities at all.

The alternative isn't "no educational opportunities"! It's using the make-up days in the calendar.

There’s only 1 snow day in the MCPS calendar. What would those makeup days be?

Would they be in end June and would MCPS send out that same email that says “we know families already made plans during these days and no instruction will be going on during these days.”

My kids attended all 3 June makeup days last week and they watched videos and did teacher assigned puzzle worksheets.

There are a set of additional make-up days already identified in the calendar. Take a look.

While there are much better options in the calendar, the bad make up days in June aren't great, but they wouldn't actively do harm like virtual would do now. And there's no reason we should accept the awful implementation of make-up days that was done last year. Full school days, using the make-up days in order in the calendar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DCPS had asynchronous learning assignments today. DCPS is back to school tomorrow on a two hour delay.

MCPS is just not well managed.

Does DCPS have better academic outcomes than MCPS? No.

So the fact that they do asynchronous learning assignments is no feather in their cap.

Also, MCPS did an asynchronous day last year and it was a disaster. Most kids didn't do the asynchronous work they were assigned on that day.

We didn't even get assigned work to either of my kids!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DCPS had asynchronous learning assignments today. DCPS is back to school tomorrow on a two hour delay.

MCPS is just not well managed.

Does DCPS have better academic outcomes than MCPS? No.

So the fact that they do asynchronous learning assignments is no feather in their cap.

Also, MCPS did an asynchronous day last year and it was a disaster. Most kids didn't do the asynchronous work they were assigned on that day.

My kids did the work, why didn't yours?

You have no idea whether my kids did or didn't do the asynchronous work as I never indicated either way. Stop deflecting.

Answer the question I asked about DCPS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Everyone with high schoolers can scream all you want, but virtual doesn't work for younger elementary kids. They don't have chromebooks. They don't have textbooks. Lessons aren't available to parents.

You’re adorable. My high schooler was actually a 3rd grader when the pandemic started and we used our own devices in the beginning. They didn’t issue Chromebooks and teachers didn’t know how to set up documents so we were printing out worksheets emailed by the central office, scanning them in and uploading them. Now teachers at least know how to set this stuff up and your kids definitely know how to use zoom.

My kids have never used zoom. And my son certainly isn't going to sit at a laptop without a paraeducator.

They don't have textbooks. We don't even get lessons for how to do the homework they send home now, nor do the teachers respond to questions about how to it (other than saying to just skip it). Virtual would be a disaster if they tried to cover anything new.

They have the paraeducators online. It may not be a disaster.

Sure... Do they have robots to do redirection? How do they repeat the steps of the assignments 1:1?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm actually going to back MCPS on this, and I usually don't.

Virtual learning does not work at scale. Especially for elementary students.

Students with parents who are fortunate enough to be at home and ensure they attend and/or pay attention might benefit. But honestly, not that much.

The counter to OP's point is what value is achieved with virtual instruction and is it worth the logistical headaches with devices and the inevitable increases in attendance and engagement that come with virtual learning? I have yet to see data that is compelling and makes a strong case for virtual instruction for the entire school district.

This was just borne out with the abysmal results for virtual learning with summer school, btw, which prompted MCPS to scale back dramatically on virtual summer school. So we're not just basing this on the pandemic experience.

It can work with invested parents and teachers. Isn't it interesting they don't realease the data about the MVA? Summer doesn't work well in any setting as they are trying to do a full semester in 2-3 weeks.

Which I acknowledged. What percentage of MCPS's population would meet the criteria of "invested parents and teachers"?

I promise you it's not 100%. And I'd be skeptical even of claims that it's 60% of the MCPS population.

I would think more than you realize but it takes school and teacher communication with parents so they know what's going on. Any kids that don't do th work, fail. Simple.

So you want MCPS to make a decision you agree with based on wishful thinking. That sounds smart.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A few reasons:

State doesn’t allow virtual days to count as part of the minimum 180 day requirement.

Only HS students have individual chromebooks. Most MS and ES schools have Chromebooks on carts and cannot be taken home. The software is not set up for it.

Something, something equity.

It does if school districts submit a virtual learning plan in advance, but MCPS opted not to submit one for this year.

Good. And they shouldn't next year, either.