Maintaining K-12 Excellence with Virtual Teachers: A Superintendent's Playbook

Teachers, parents, and students struggled when COVID-19 forced schools to immediately transition from in-person learning to online learning. Not surprisingly, studies found that the emergency virtual school setup embraced by many public schools and even online private schools negatively impacted learners' mental health and academic performance. Students struggled with problems such as attention deficits, frustration, and stress. Cognitive performance was negatively impacted, many had difficulties meeting grade expectations, and math and reading scores for over 1.5 million students were worse than they had been the previous academic year.

However, virtual instruction doesn't have to be inherently problematic. In fact, when done right, online learning can be an ideal way to meet learners' educational needs. The keys to success lie in not only selecting the right online education format and classes but also maintaining a high standard of academic excellence throughout a school year.

Selecting the Right Online Education Format

There are three virtual instruction setups you can pick from. These are synchronous learning, asynchronous learning, and a blended approach combining the two methods.

Synchronous Online Learning

Synchronous learning is designed to mimic in-person learning. Instruction takes place in the classroom but certified teachers are livestreamed. Students can ask teachers questions during class and get immediate answers. Learners can also hear questions and comments from other students and the answers the teacher gives other learners. There are breakout rooms that allow virtual learners to work on group assignments together in real time. Studies show that a synchronous learning environment positively influences cognitive processes and skills, boosts learner engagement, and fosters a sense of community.

Asynchronous Online Learning

Asynchronous online learning includes recorded classes, lectures, textbooks, and online study platforms. This learning model allows students to study where and when they want. Some hail it as an ideal format for personalized learning; however, the lack of real-time interaction with a teacher and fellow students takes a toll on many learners. Research shows that online learners are more prone to feelings of isolation and alienation than in-person learners.

Blended Learning

Blended learning is a mix of asynchronous and asynchronous education. This mix can offer students the best of both worlds; in fact, many synchronous online courses require students to sometimes study on their own and complete assignments without interacting with fellow learners or a teacher. Additionally, if a student is unable to attend a live class, he or she can make it up by watching the recording of the class at a later time. However, a blended model should put a priority on synchronous learning to ensure students are receiving a quality education.

Maintaining Excellence Throughout the School Year

The right online school format is foundational to academic excellence. However, as a superintendent, you need to build on this model. It's not a one-time job; rather, it requires ongoing communication with all involved parties, keeping track of student needs and academic progress, and more.

Meeting Your Teachers' Needs

Virtual teachers need time to plan a high quality curriculum. They also need the right tools to do their jobs well. Headphones, microphones, and a good internet connection enables students to focus on the teacher’s lesson without needing to deal with tech issues. An interactive whiteboard and screen sharing software help teachers keep students engaged and improve academic retention. Chat rooms and discussion boards allow students to share information about class-related subjects with each other and their teachers.

Collaborating with Teachers to Maintain a High Standard of Excellence

Include virtual school teachers in your PLCs. Doing so allows instructors to collaborate with your in-person teachers and could improve your virtual education model. Good communication also enables instructors to ask for help as soon as problems arise. Perhaps a teacher notices that a child may need accommodations in order to succeed. Maybe a teacher has a suggestion about adding a certain assignment or bringing in a guest speaker. You never know what you can learn from your teachers or how you can help them improve their performance if you don't ask them for suggestions and input.

Request Student Input

As superintendent, your priority is to make sure your K-12 virtual school model is meeting students' academic needs and adhering to your state's scope and sequence requirements. However, middle school and high school students need more than basic academic classes to earn a high school diploma. They also need exposure to electives such as language classes, art classes, and CTE courses. Gifted learners may need advanced classes in order to get into the college or university of their choice. Asking your learners and their parents for input before the start of each semester can enable you to plan and schedule additional classes that will help older learners acquire important skills.

Spell Out Expectations to Help Learners Adjust to a Synchronous Learning Model

Thanks to the lockdowns, most students have at least some experience with online education. However, those who are primarily used to asynchronous learning may need some instruction and guidance before starting live classes.

Students should know what time live classes start and which classroom they’re supposed to be in. They should expect there will be time for basic introductions and a request to share some information about themselves with the rest of the class. Furthermore, students in a synchronous learning environment will be expected to take part in class discussions, ask and answer questions, participate on online discussion boards and in virtual chat rooms, and engage with the teachers and fellow learners.

Make sure students also know how your school grades assignments and tests, what the minimum score is for passing a course, and when the final results will be posted. Students should also know how to ask for accommodations and what to do if they have questions about their test scores.

Keep Tabs on Results

In the end, your students' test scores will show if your online learning model is working well for your school. If scores are on the rise and your learners are happy with the classes, then your model is most likely working well. If you get mixed results, identify the root cause of the issues and deal with them. Perhaps some students need more tutoring to catch up to the rest of the class. Maybe a teacher needs to slow down or pick up the pace. It could be that you need to add new classes to your current line-up or stop offering electives your learners are no longer showing an interest in.

Professional Help Can Make All the Difference

One advantage of switching to a virtual school model is that it makes it easier than ever to find certified, experienced teachers to provide instruction in core subjects. However, you don't have to go it alone if you're looking for good online instructors. Proximity Learning has fifteen years of experience connecting certified educators with school districts that need their services. Our team has all the tools needed to make synchronous learning fun and engaging and we can also help you keep track of student scores and academic progress.

Proximity Learning is not an online private school or virtual school. Rather, we're a service that offers synchronous online classes for young students, middle school students, and high school students. Our classes, which are provided on your school's bell schedule, cover core academic subjects and various electives. We tailor our offerings to meet your needs so you can offer your learners the online courses they need to succeed in their studies. We also provide summer school and tutoring to help struggling students catch up with their peers. Fill out our form to find out more about our offerings.

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