[EdNews Round Up Update] COVID-19 and Education Impacts

No one knows better than educators about the importance of staying up-to-date. The recent reports of COVID-19, or coronavirus, across the U.S has led to the closure of many schools and districts globally. We stand with you, focused on building school around the student, especially during times where access to quality instruction is restricted. We are actively monitoring the situation and have a dedicated team in place to help us better respond to the needs of educators however we can. In these situations, online learning is more relevant and important than ever, and we want to help so that you can continue to meet your learners' academic needs.

In this special edition of Edmentum’s News Round Up, you’ll find the latest news we have gathered pertaining to COVID-19 and the impact on U.S. education. Of course, you can find the latest updates and data on COVID-19 on the Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization websites as well as helpful resources. 

Coronavirus Has Led to a Rush of Online Teaching. Here’s Some Advice for Newly Remote Instructors
EdSurge 
Every day, a new batch of colleges announces that in-person classes are closed and teaching will shift online to try to halt the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19. This has thrust an unprecedented number of teachers into a format for which they may have little or no training.

School meal assistance proposals in House coronavirus response act
Education Dive 
After discussion among lawmakers, all three pieces of legislation will be included in The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, a larger package the House will vote on Thursday in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The package is expected to pass.​

What Science Classes Are Teaching Students About Coronavirus
EdSurge
Teachers around the country are incorporating the novel coronavirus into lessons plans, seeing the hot news topic as an opportunity to engage students and put the situation into perspective as fear and uncertainty rise.

With every cough, my students fear coronavirus. Here’s how we’re talking about it and curbing panic.
Chalkbeat
"I knew a more formal discussion of the coronavirus was needed when, during what I call “relationship time” — daily class time devoted to asking students about their day — someone sneezed, and his seatmates twisted themselves around quickly, one calling out: “Coronavirus!”"

What Happens If Coronavirus Shuts Down U.S. Schools? 5 Lessons in Emergency Distance Learning From China
The 74 
With new confirmed cases of coronavirus emerging in the U.S. every day, there have been sporadic school closings in response. But American families and schools are not prepared for the types of radical changes that have been necessary in China and several other countries.

How to Work Remotely When Your Office Closes for Coronavirus — Or Any Time
EdSurge
In the shadows of a potential COVID-19 pandemic, many schools, businesses and other organizations are preparing to keep the lights on by allowing, encouraging or requiring their employees to work remotely.

Here’s what we know about children, infection rates, and COVID-19
Chalkbeat 
So far, severe cases among children there have been rare. But there are open questions about what role children (and adults without symptoms) play in spreading the disease — critical information for schools and families deciding how to respond.

What Could Happen if the Coronavirus Closed Schools for Days, Weeks, or Even Months
The Atlantic
We can get a sense of what to expect from Hong Kong, where students have already been out of school for more than a month.

As Schools Close Because Of Coronavirus, Nearly 300 Million Kids Aren't In Class
NPR
As cases of coronavirus disease continue to be identified in countries around the world, the effort to stem its spread has kept some 290 million students home from school. According to the United Nations, as of Tuesday, 22 countries on three continents have closed schools because of the virus.

Coronavirus and Remote Learning: An Impossible Option for Many
We are Teachers
As the U.S. braces for the increased spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have outlined advice for parents and schools on how to prepare: use remote learning.

Map: Coronavirus and School Closures
EdWeek
The coronavirus outbreak in the United States is prompting K-12 education leaders to shut down individual schools or entire districts. Track where closures are happening and how many students are being affected. Currently updated twice per day.

When Should Schools Close For Coronavirus?
NPR
The spread of coronavirus has compelled hundreds of K-12 schools in the U.S. to close, affecting more than 850,000 students, according to an analysis by Education Week. And those numbers are certain to increase in the coming days, as concerned parents call for more school closures.

If you are concerned about your students being able to access quality instruction and resources for an extended period of time, please stay tuned as we announce upcoming webinars in the coming weeks to learn more about how Edmentum can help support you and your students. 

We also welcome you to download our Free K-12 Grade-Specific Worksheet Bundles for your students to take home. These bundles include math, language arts, science, reading and literacy activities from a variety of our online programs.