@stephengpeters Dr. Mike Robinson: How can schools practice social distancing when kids return to school?
Dr. Stephen Peters: The manner in which schools achieve proper social distancing when students return to school will not be facilitated through a “one size fits all” system. School leaders and communities must collaborate in ways never seen before and come to the realization that schools and districts can’t do this work alone or in isolation. Schools are already pre-planning and that is a good sign that points in the direction of them knowing they must carefully plan and skillfully execute their plan to keep students, teachers, and staff healthy and safe. We must all realize that returning to schools in the fall will not be a return to normal as we have known it. We must begin to become future-ready now.
Dr. Mike Robinson: Is schooling with social distancing even possible?
Dr. Stephen Peters: Yes, and it must be clearly communicated that it is! It’s the only way schools can maintain any semblance of establishing a “new normal” during these unprecedented and unpredictable times. It will not be an easy task, but educating students never is. Until a vaccine is found, approved, and administered, schools must continue to find ways to adhere to established guidelines that ensure the safety and security of students and those who serve them.
Dr. Mike Robinson: What are your thoughts related to staggered start times; alternate weeks of attendance; remote learning until further notice?
Dr. Stephen Peters: Given all Staggered start times, alternative weeks of attendance, remote learning, Saturday school, twilight school hours, partnerships with local community colleges and universities, and more are on the table. These are all possible options that will facilitate the environment schools will need to establish social distancing and new teaching and learning cultures.
Dr. Mike Robinson: This question comes from a parent. "How do we extend our commitment to remote learning when there is no one to supervise our children at home?"
Dr. Stephen Peters: This will require careful planning as well as feedback from students at different levels. We are finding that many students have discovered an appeal for remote learning after this experience with COVID-19. Why remove them from a learning environment that is working for them better than the face to face interaction prior? We must think our way through these difficult and challenging times and somehow turn these challenges into opportunities that will re-position public education.
Dr. Mike Robinson: What are your thoughts about teachers wearing masks and other PPE?
Dr. Stephen Peters: The wearing of masks and PPE is a part of social distancing. There must be a consistent buy-in by those in schools to commit to adhering to safe practices as well as the leaders of schools monitoring said practices.
Dr. Mike Robinson: When schools are open, what signs would be visible that Social Distancing is working with students and teachers?
Dr. Stephen Peters: The design for success is in implementing a strategic process that validates and affirms teachers, students, staff, and families; that they are accountable to and for each other throughout each day, week and month. While many unknowns must be factored in our decisions, actions, and reactions, the one constant is, it is going to take a synergistic effort to find successful pathways as we counter the blows of this pandemic.
Over his 32 years in education, Stephen has been a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of secondary education and superintendent of schools. Most of his experiences have been in schools that made significant growth in short periods of time thus, resulting in both National and State Blue-Ribbon distinction. Stephen is founder of the nationally recognized Gentlemen's & Ladies Club programs, which provide options for thousands of at-risk and honor students throughout the United States. Stephen is currently CEO & President of The Peters Group, a national education consulting company. The Peters Group has a track record of creating and sustaining success in schools, and districts, by supporting educators through a 3-step process of teaching and learning.
Dr. Stephen Peters: The manner in which schools achieve proper social distancing when students return to school will not be facilitated through a “one size fits all” system. School leaders and communities must collaborate in ways never seen before and come to the realization that schools and districts can’t do this work alone or in isolation. Schools are already pre-planning and that is a good sign that points in the direction of them knowing they must carefully plan and skillfully execute their plan to keep students, teachers, and staff healthy and safe. We must all realize that returning to schools in the fall will not be a return to normal as we have known it. We must begin to become future-ready now.
Dr. Mike Robinson: Is schooling with social distancing even possible?
Dr. Stephen Peters: Yes, and it must be clearly communicated that it is! It’s the only way schools can maintain any semblance of establishing a “new normal” during these unprecedented and unpredictable times. It will not be an easy task, but educating students never is. Until a vaccine is found, approved, and administered, schools must continue to find ways to adhere to established guidelines that ensure the safety and security of students and those who serve them.
Dr. Mike Robinson: What are your thoughts related to staggered start times; alternate weeks of attendance; remote learning until further notice?
Dr. Stephen Peters: Given all Staggered start times, alternative weeks of attendance, remote learning, Saturday school, twilight school hours, partnerships with local community colleges and universities, and more are on the table. These are all possible options that will facilitate the environment schools will need to establish social distancing and new teaching and learning cultures.
Dr. Mike Robinson: This question comes from a parent. "How do we extend our commitment to remote learning when there is no one to supervise our children at home?"
Dr. Stephen Peters: This will require careful planning as well as feedback from students at different levels. We are finding that many students have discovered an appeal for remote learning after this experience with COVID-19. Why remove them from a learning environment that is working for them better than the face to face interaction prior? We must think our way through these difficult and challenging times and somehow turn these challenges into opportunities that will re-position public education.
Dr. Mike Robinson: What are your thoughts about teachers wearing masks and other PPE?
Dr. Stephen Peters: The wearing of masks and PPE is a part of social distancing. There must be a consistent buy-in by those in schools to commit to adhering to safe practices as well as the leaders of schools monitoring said practices.
Dr. Mike Robinson: When schools are open, what signs would be visible that Social Distancing is working with students and teachers?
Dr. Stephen Peters: The design for success is in implementing a strategic process that validates and affirms teachers, students, staff, and families; that they are accountable to and for each other throughout each day, week and month. While many unknowns must be factored in our decisions, actions, and reactions, the one constant is, it is going to take a synergistic effort to find successful pathways as we counter the blows of this pandemic.
Over his 32 years in education, Stephen has been a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of secondary education and superintendent of schools. Most of his experiences have been in schools that made significant growth in short periods of time thus, resulting in both National and State Blue-Ribbon distinction. Stephen is founder of the nationally recognized Gentlemen's & Ladies Club programs, which provide options for thousands of at-risk and honor students throughout the United States. Stephen is currently CEO & President of The Peters Group, a national education consulting company. The Peters Group has a track record of creating and sustaining success in schools, and districts, by supporting educators through a 3-step process of teaching and learning.