CPS educators discuss potential learning methods
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Columbia Public Schools paused its alternative learning classes to reevaluate its learning methods on Wednesday and the district held meetings Friday to determine its next step.
Michelle Baumstark, CPS spokeswoman, said the extra time has been used to plan what alternative learning could look like for students moving forward, as CPS faced challenges during the first week of remote classes.
CPS has used the past three days for planning to see what curriculum fits the needs of the teachers and students best.
Baumstark said that in Friday's meeting CPS officials discussed what education could look like as schools remain closed to slow down COVID-19 and what curriculum coordinators are thinking moving forward.
CPS is waiting to hear feedback and questions from teachers that may arise from the potential plan discussed Friday.
“I do know that the decisions that are being made at the district level are being made with extreme concern for our students and our staff,” said Kathy Steinhoff, President of Columbia Missouri National Education Association.
The district closed its buildings last month as the spread of the novel coronavirus accelerated in Missouri. Those buildings will remain closed through at least late April to adhere to a stay-at-home order issued in Boone County.
Teachers have turned to online instruction, but school officials have said they have concerns that some students are having trouble accessing education while schools are closed.
Steinhoff said everyone in the community is dealing with the pandemic differently and that’s something CPS is keeping in mind moving forward.
“I think the district is being very sensitive to that and really just wanting to take care of everyone,” said Steinhoff. “So they have been working in overdrive to try to prepare some plans for going forward and they're sharing that information out with teachers now, and asking for feedback.”
Baumstark said the district will tell students and families about new plans Monday after teachers have had time to give feedback.
“We need a long-term plan as we consider an additional length of time that we're going to be closed and away from in-person classes," Baumstark said. "So we are using these days to get that work done.”
Steinhoff said teachers form different teams across the district, from age levels to what courses they teach and now teachers are working in those teams to discuss the new information.
“We have to all kind of speak with our team to digest it and see how it works for us,” said Steinhoff. “So that's why right now it's kind of a frantic time for everybody.”
CPS curriculum coordinators are still working through the new plan, Baumstark said.
Stay up to date on this developing story here and on ABC 17 News at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
