The NYC school system is so big, it can be helpful to look for insights not just from what other cities or states are doing, but entire countries. That goes for learning in teaching in "normal" times--and it especially goes for what it means to reopen schools. In this episode, Tom Liam Lynch explore a new document from the United Nations that offers guidance to countries on reopening schools safely and equitably. Tom offers two concrete suggestions for city officials, including the establishment of a citywide virtual school. 

Links: UNESCO guidelines // UFT remote teaching pilot // iLearnNYC

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Going back to school in the wake of Covid-19 will not be as simple as it sounds. That's the premise of a recent report by Opportunity Labs called "Return to Schools Roadmap." Fortunately, the report offers an abundance of tactics for schools and districts to act on--all with an eye toward public education AND public health. In this episode, Tom Liam Lynch interviews one of the contributors to the report, former NYC Department of Education official Cricket Heinze. They talk about the report, including how parents and families will be affected in September based on the kinds of conversations districts and schools are having now. 

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Please tell us what you think. We LOVE feedback. Here are a few of the main ways to reach us: InsideSchools, our flagship website  // Our InsideSchools Facebook Page  // Tweet, tweet: Over on Twitter // Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter // SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS via 60 second voice message

It's been a month of remote learning in New York City, and the reviews are really mixed. With so many families continuing to struggle with making remote learning work, we thought we'd hold a Facebook Live session to answer real questions in real time. Here's the audio of the session. Or, to view on Facebook just go here. 

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Please tell us what you think. We LOVE feedback. Here are a few of the main ways to reach us: InsideSchools, our flagship website  // Our InsideSchools Facebook Page  // Tweet, tweet: Over on Twitter // Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter // SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS via 60 second voice message

The NYC Department of Education has launched a survey for students and families, one that asks them what they think of remote learning so far.  Surveys can be tricky things, so Tom Liam Lynch invited Senior Research Fellow at the Center for NYC Affairs, Nicole Mader, on the show to get her take. They discuss what the survey is, where to find it, and what good can ultimately come of it. Spoiler alert: They both agree it's important for families and children to complete. 

(Looking for the survey? You can find it here.)

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Please tell us what you think. We LOVE feedback. Here are a few of the main ways to reach us: InsideSchools, our flagship website  // Our InsideSchools Facebook Page  // Tweet, tweet: Over on Twitter // Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter // SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS via 60 second voice message

It might seem premature, but we all need to start talking about September. Now. Why? Because there are possible scenarios in which public health officials might not want to see 1.1 million students headed back to overcrowded classrooms. In this episode, Tom Liam Lynch offers parents and school officials what he suggests are key considerations for fall planning, preparation for which needs to start immediately. That includes planning for the scenario where not all students go back at once. 

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Please tell us what you think. We LOVE feedback. Here are a few of the main ways to reach us: InsideSchools, our flagship website  // Our InsideSchools Facebook Page  // Tweet, tweet: Over on Twitter // Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter // SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS via 60 second voice message

Dated a few days ago, the NYC mayor and schools chancellor published a letter. It included their commitments to families to help improve the quality of learning citywide in the wake of Covid-19. Not all families got the letter (and if you didn't, click here), but what it offers is heartening--and herculean. In this episode, Tom Liam Lynch shares the main points of the officials' letter and offers his insights on why their commitments are important, including what  makes them hard to realize. 

NB: Tom also shares an update on the future of Extra Help. We are getting great feedback on the pod, and intend to continue bringing it to you each week. For details on what we have planned, listen toward the end of episode. ;) 

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Please tell us what you think. We LOVE feedback. Here are a few of the main ways to reach us: InsideSchools, our flagship website  // Our InsideSchools Facebook Page  // Tweet, tweet: Over on Twitter // Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter // SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS via 60 second voice message

By now, many families are getting a sense of what online learning looks like in their child’s school. In this episode, Tom Liam Lynch takes a moment to underscore something: Online learning could have looked VERY differently, even in response to a pandemic. Families and teachers need to know that the city has platform--right now--that can help immensely: iLearnNYC and WeTeachNYC. And if versions of online or hybrid learning are possible options for schools in September, we all need to better know what they are and what they can do. 

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Please tell us what you think. We LOVE feedback. Here are a few of the main ways to reach us: InsideSchools, our flagship website  // Our InsideSchools Facebook Page  // Tweet, tweet: Over on Twitter // Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter // SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS via 60 second voice message

In previous episodes, we’ve focused on helping parents and teachers navigate the troubled educational waters of learning and teaching amidst Covid-19. But what about students? Fortunately, non-profit IntegrateNYC has created a hotline to help. It’s created by students, for students. In this episode, Tom Liam Lynch talks with IntegrateNYC leadership: High School Executive Director Leanne Nunes and Adult Executive Director Zaps. They share details about the hotline, as well as what they think city officials are doing well and what they could do better to support young people in a time of crisis.

Resources: Learn more about IntegrateNYC // The IntegrateNYC 5 R’s Framework for Real Integration // Hotline: 951-INTEGR8 or 951-468-3478

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Please tell us what you think. We LOVE feedback. Here are a few of the main ways to reach us: InsideSchools, our flagship website  // Our InsideSchools Facebook Page  // Tweet, tweet: Over on Twitter // Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter // SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS via 60 second voice message

There are two words in the term "online learning." But when you listen to the way we often talk about it, there's little being said about what "learning" is supposed to look like. How do we know our children are learning online--well? In this episode, Tom Liam Lynch explores that question by comparing learning online to learning in traditional classrooms. In the end, he offers ways that teachers can up their online teaching game AND ways for parents to better spot quality learning in action. 

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Please tell us what you think. We LOVE feedback. Here are a few of the main ways to reach us: InsideSchools, our flagship website  // Our InsideSchools Facebook Page  // Tweet, tweet: Over on Twitter // Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter // SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS via 60 second voice message