The Panorama survey, which measures students’ social-emotional learning, is now available on Canvas for students in grades 3-12.
The survey, which is voluntary and confidential, can be requested as an opt-out form at http://dcps.dc.gov/surveys.
In-Person Learning Preparations
In preparation for the return of in-person learning for the second term, Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration has taken measures to evaluate and update the schools’ HVAC systems, schedule staggered arrival and dismissal times, and to explore outdoor learning options.
DCPS also continues to reach out to families in need of technical assistance and equipment. The mayor’s team also aims to connect 25,000 eligible households with Pre-K3–12 students enrolled at traditional and public charter schools with internet service.
Committee Hearing, Teacher Retention
The D.C. State Board of Education will testify at a D.C. Council committee public hearing at 9 a.m. Friday on the Statewide Data Warehouse Amendment Act of 2019.
B23-515 was introduced by the board to authorize the State Superintendent of Education to expand the Statewide Educational Data Warehouse to include additional information on public-school teachers.
SBOE also reports teacher turnover in D.C. is higher than the national average and higher than many urban districts across the United States. Understanding how and when teachers move into, across and out of teaching positions in the District is crucial to understanding how to promote teacher retention, according to the board.
Chancellor’s Testimony
“With the support of Mayor [Muriel] Bowser, DCPS has been able to grow our inventory to more than 45,000 devices for students in grades PK-12. To date, we have distributed more than 29,000 devices, including over 1,900 iPads for our youngest learners. Many of our devices are LTE-enabled, which ensures that internet access is no longer a barrier for DCPS students. Through Mayor Bowser’s leadership, the District of Columbia has also launched a $3.3 million Internet for all initiative providing monumental investments towards free high-speed internet access for up to 25,000 disconnected low-income students and families.” — DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee, speaking during a joint public hearing on distance learning in D.C. public and public charter schools
Parent, Family Advocate
Jackie Alvarado, a DCPS alumna, serves on Chancellor Lewis Ferebee’s parent advisory board and is a firm believer in teaching parents and families to advocate for their children’s education.
DCPS Eats
Tuesday and Thursday are recipe development days in the #DCPSEats kitchen. Through this process, DCPS’ food service staff have perfected some of its patrons’ cafe favorites and are cooking up some new menu features, the school system said.