One Livingston Mom’s Take On Remote Learning: It’s Going To Be OK

Press release from Angela Drakulich of Livingston, NJ:

May 26, 2020

When all of this began – the coronavirus, that is – one of my first thoughts was my daughter’s education. She attends a specialized school in Short Hills for kids who have language-based learning differences – think dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD. But a diagnosed learning disability isn’t a requirement for enrolling – elementary or middle school aged children who may need extra support in a particular subject, such as reading or math, or in a particular area, such as executive functioning, attend as well.

My husband and I were originally drawn to the school when the public setting could no longer meet her needs. We wanted her to have a chance to thrive in a more appropriate educational environment. We found the right fit for her in an independent school (The Winston School of Short Hills) that offers small class sizes (a nurturing environment), individualized learning (no more “one size fits all”), and built-in support services for those who need them (eg, speech and occupational therapy, and psychologists on staff for kids who may suffer from anxiety).

When schools began to shut their doors and move online this spring, I worried about how my daughter was going to manage. She, like so many of her classmates, relies on the unique skill sets of the teachers who understand that not every child learns in the same manner. Some may be visual learners, others auditory learners, and others who need hands-on demos to have concepts really sink in. Her teachers offer all of these approaches, and they match the pace of the curriculum – a curriculum that aligns with grade-by-grade state standards – to each student.

As a result, children who may feel “out of the box” in larger or mainstream schools that focus on one style of learning are not only able to thrive in schools like the one my daughter attends, but they also gain confidence and practice self-advocacy on a daily basis. With distance learning emerging as the “new normal,” however, I wondered how these benefits would come through on screen.

I am happy to report that her teachers didn’t miss a beat. Students emptied their lockers and came home with all their books and binders on Friday, March 13, and remote learning began that next Monday, March 16. The school days are shorter – with instruction running from 8:15 am to 1:00 pm, with a 15-minute break mid-morning, but the curriculum and student-teacher interaction have endured in full force. Face-to-face lectures, assessments, group discussions, and even science labs, art projects, and P.E. exercises have continued via virtual platforms.

The bonds between teachers and students have persisted as well, with celebratory fun activities on Friday afternoons, meet-ups to touch base, and even a surprise teacher visit to our front porch one recent sunny day!

I realize things have not been easy for teachers, no matter the school or district they teach in. Not only have they had to adapt to an entirely new teaching structure, but they also have their own families to take care of at home. Despite these challenges, their way of imparting learning has not diverted course. The specialized, in-person touches they provide in the classroom come through loud and clear, even with distance learning. And with regular progress reports, parent-teacher communications, and hybrid summer enrichment programs already scheduled, these students are not falling through the cracks.

In fact, for my daughter and many others, the remote setting has come with some unexpected benefits. For those who struggle with executive functioning, for example, not having to navigate the hallways and visit lockers to switch materials between classes has given them more time, more energy, and fewer bouts of anxiety. For those distracted in a classroom setting, the virtual framework has given them more focus. And for those less apt to raise a hand, speak up, or ask a question, distance learning has provided them with more onus, responsibility, and ultimately, resilience.

Looking ahead, no one knows yet what the 2020-2021 school year will hold. Schools across the state and country are putting several scenarios together, from full return, to continued remote learning, to a hybrid model that offers flexibility for families and teachers alike. No matter the case, I know my daughter has an educational home that she will be happy to return to – and one that I will feel safe sending her to. The fact that private schools have fewer students to begin with, and often, more flexible facility space, make it likely that social distancing will be very doable. In addition, my daughter’s school has already acknowledged that some parents may be reluctant to send their children back to school, while others may be more eager to do so – with a flexible approach, both types of families will be able to pursue their choice.

With nearly 3 months of quarantine under our belts, I wake up every morning hoping for things to return to “normal” in so many ways, but when I think about my daughter’s education, I also realize that things are going to be just fine.

About the Author

A published author, editor, and communications professional, Angela Drakulich has lived in New Jersey for 20 years. She previously served as vice president of the Parents Association of The Winston School of Short Hills, an independent school that is fully accredited by the NJ Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS) and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA).

This press release was written by Angela Drakulich. The views expressed here are the author's own.