Many parents in the Los Angeles area have heard that, as of July 17, 2020, area schools are required by Governor Newsom to be in Remote-Learning mode in the fall. This has left people searching for answers to find out what their school is offering compared with other schools, will their child have a quality experience this time around, and will there be improvements to what families experienced in the Spring of 2020.
To help answer those questions, Clairbourn School is sharing what it has learned about building a quality Remote Learning Program based on its recent experience with its students, parent feedback from surveys, and consultation with experts.
Success with remote learning requires several school-side factors to exist in combination with a home environment configured to support the student including the basics of a quite place to complete work and a daily schedule.
Here are 10 indicators that you are partnered with a school with a quality Remote Learning Program:
- Tech-savvy teachers. Clairbourn has them, we’re proud of them, and we’re enhancing their training for Remote Learning. Additionally, they are supported by education technology experts Knowing Technologies to super-charge their skills.
- The right software, systems, and technology. Clairbourn installed a new fiber network over the summer to ensure fast Internet speeds and strong connectivity. Our intranet, Google Classrooms, SeeSaw and other learning management software tools are now streamlined and battle-tested to create a consistent and simplified delivery of educational content for students.
“In my job, I see students from almost every Pasadena-area school, both public and independent. In the first half of 2020, we were all grappling with how to make school work — and my Clairbourn students were exemplary. From what I observed, none of those kids broke stride. This says everything about the Clairbourn teachers and admin. I watched as other schools faltered, and even abdicated. So impressed with Clairbourn.”
– LinkedIn comment by Christina Trager
(former Clairbourn parent)
- Age-appropriate levels of screen-time. Clairbourn bases its programmatic decisions for education on proven research which shows that it is not age-appropriate to be in front of a screen all day long. A quality Remote Learning Program will offer a balance of online and offline activities. Depending on your child’s grade level, the average amount of screen time should range from 3-5 hours per day which will provide quality instruction as well as balanced off-screen activities.
- Live sessions with the teacher/s every day and live specialist sessions weekly. Parent Remote Learning surveys indicated a strong desire for more live teacher time and live specialist sessions. At Clairbourn, these will be offered to the highest degree allowable based on grade-level appropriateness. There will be live physical education, art, and music classes, and not just the basics.
- The right student equipment with technology training. To ensure a smooth experience for students in Grades K-8, Clairbourn purchased individual Remote Learning devices and preloaded them with learning apps to distribute to students. Each child will receive training on these systems at the start of the school year. Not only does this ensure the success of their learning experience, but it means they can get up to speed with the curriculum quickly.
- Well-rounded offerings with character education. Some Remote Learning programs are just covering the basics. Clairbourn is offering music, arts, and PE classes in addition to its robust academic classes, and character education is infused into all of it. We are continuing to develop the whole child, and Remote Learning doesn’t stop that. We are just delivering those experiences in a new way.
- Office hours for most teachers. Students and parents will have questions during the Remote Learning experience. Clairbourn’s Remote Learning Program will include office hours for most teachers to help ensure that students and parents can get answers and help in a timely manner.
- Easy access to school administration. Clairbourn is known for having easy access to administrators without red-tape battles. If parents have a need, they can get ahold of a top decision-maker quickly! The communication lines are open so parents can get answers, report challenges, or make suggestions.
- Readiness to resume on-campus instruction and the ability to do so safely. Clairbourn’s campus is kept in a constant state of readiness to allow a return to campus at a moment’s notice with all the safety protocols in place. Regardless of format, in-person or online, the quality of education will be the highest possible under current circumstances.
- Parent interaction and support. Remote learning has a strong impact on parents! Clairbourn recognizes this, and will continue its efforts to take care of the whole family unit with helpful ideas and online interaction opportunities to help maintain a sense of community and meaningful support.
Learn more about Clairbourn’s Remote Learning Program, read Parent Comments, and view the FAQs that cover not only Remote Learning but safety and health precautions in place for on-campus learning when it is allowed to resume.
(Update as of 07/21/20 – Grades JPK-5 have limited spaces on waitlists only. Middle School Grades 6-8 may have limited availability. Please email admissions@clairbourn.org before applying).
Clairbourn School Provides Private School Education for Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary School, and Middle School Grades | Serving Families in the Pasadena, California, Area and Surrounding Cities (K-12 Private Schools) Clairbourn is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Click here to request information.
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