3/2/2021

How to Manage Concurrent Classrooms During COVID

When schools across the country shut their doors due to COVID-19 last spring, those with already-implemented digital literacy tools were fortunate enough to have a foundation for learning outside of the classroom. For schools like Lander Elementary School in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, having an online literacy platform that was accessible from any device made it possible to continue with their established instructional, intervention, and data-review structure.

After finishing the 2019–2020 school year remotely, many schools––including Lander Elementary––reopened in fall 2020 with the option to continue full-time remote learning. About 25% of Lander Elementary students elected to stay remote, which meant teachers had to learn how to teach in-person and online courses concurrently.

In a recently published article, Lander Elementary Principal Felecia Evans shared how her school smoothly transitioned to concurrent learning. According to Felecia, steps for successfully managing concurrent classrooms include the following:

1. Establish a predictable schedule.

To keep students in concurrent classrooms on track for the same learning activities, it’s important to establish a regular schedule. Creating a regular morning routine can ensure all students have access to the information, tools, and assignments they will need throughout the day. Moreover, implementing a daily morning meeting gives students the opportunity to ask questions and plan their days accordingly. 

2. Adopt an online platform.

One of the biggest supports of concurrent learning at Lander Elementary has been using Lexia® Core5® Reading to support literacy instruction. With this adaptive blended learning platform, teachers can initiate on-the-spot conferences to provide extra support and personalize learning for each student. Core5 also gives educators insight into which aspects of their instructional delivery are (and aren’t) working.

3. Offer academic coaching.

Because remote learning made it challenging for Lander Elementary’s paraprofessionals to carry out certain tasks, their role was transitioned into that of “academic coach.” Today, academic coaches are assigned to students who most need explicit literacy instruction, working to ensure equity in concurrent classrooms. They frequently check in with students and their families to evaluate academic progress and make sure students are receiving the support they need at both school and home.

Lexia’s comprehensive literacy solutions, including Core5, are a critical tool for supporting concurrent classrooms. Whether learning remotely or in person, students benefit from the personalized instruction provided by Core5, and teachers are able to better understand and support students using Core5 data insights.

Learn more about managing concurrent classrooms by reading Felecia’s article in EdTech Digest.