As we begin the back half of a crazy start to the 2020 year, we can honestly say that the educational system is forced to make many shifts in order to comply with the safety of its students and educators. Many schools are adopting online learning platforms into their teaching plan and designing a layout that accommodates classroom sizes at half capacity or less. Unfortunately, these techniques don't seem to be long-term solutions as schools are a critical portion in the American way of life. Schools are not just a place for education, but also a place for parents to depend upon when they begin there work day. Without schools operating full days, 7 days per week, millions of parents will be forced into awkward situations once temporary work-from-home settings are no longer.
In order to grasp a firm understanding of how schools are handling the situation, we hosted The Classroom Design Webinar to get perspectives from educators, school leaders, and interior designers from all across the country. Our panel then discussed how learning environments may look like this upcoming school year and the challenges that they may face as a result. In the end, the goal was to help educators and school leaders prepare for the reopening of schools this fall.
________________________________________________________________
Key Takeaways and Potential Solutions For The 2020-2021 School Year
Extending Remote Learning
As the end of summer nears, we are seeing an increased probability that online learning will continue to play a significant factor in the upcoming school year. Whether schools are implementing full-time remote learning, a blend between online and in-person, or a temporary online solution, most have a plan in place that includes students learning from home.
While this may be the best solution for the foreseeable future, it is also important to understand that we must keep students engaged and collaborative during the school day. Students deserve learning environments that are built to meet the needs of their individual learning styles. Students should feel engaged and supported whether they are at home or in the classroom. Not only that, but the best learning happens when students and teachers are able to build strong connections. So it is important for educators to keep these connections strong even if virtual learning becomes a stronger part in our society.
One of the best ways to keep students engaged remotely is by making the transition to working from home seamless. To do so, equip your virtual space with some of these terrific options so that your kids are working effectively even when you can't physically be there.
Enhanced Medical Attention
Even though we are beginning to see plans for schools to reopen, students, educators, and parents must still comply with new rules. Some of these new rules include wearing masks, receiving temperature scans, decreased classroom sizes and much more.
In some locations around the United States, schools are requiring students to wear a face covering at all times while on school property. Others are only requiring them to have a mask if they are moving throughout the building. Then, once they become stationary by sitting at the lunch table or desk in the classroom, they are permitted to remove their face coverings.While this is true, many schools have similar procedures when it comes to conducting health and safety checks. These safety precautions are typically done when entering the building and/or school bus at the beginning of the day. If someone has a temperature that exceeds 100.4 degrees or exhibits two or more of the following: chills, cough, shortness of breath, nausea, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, or body aches, then they are required to stay home.
Until widespread testing in the United States becomes more prevalent, many of these 'new rules' will stay intact for the foreseeable future. Check out some of our 2020-2021 School Year Essentials that your school should implement before students are back in the classroom.
Want Help Designing Your Classroom For The Upcoming School Year?
If you are feeling overwhelmed by trying to accommodate your students and staff with all of the rapid changes happening - we can help! Kay-Twelve is equipped with learning environment specialists that are available to help take some of these things off your plate.
We will dedicate one of our team members to your project to provide oversight from start to finish and provide any customer support you may need along they way.
Comments