Getting a conversation going about September

What will September look like? What needs to happen for us to be safe enough to go into school? If we are remote, based on our experience so far, what would you do the same? What would you change up? Does a hybrid model make sense? Testing? Live lessons?

We had a chapter meeting coming up. And so, in preparation, I sent out a survey. It was explicitly NOT to tabulate, but to stimulate thought processes: “This is a “thought survey” – questions are to think about and to discuss.” This was not a vote. We were not in a position to set even school policy, let alone DoE policy. But it was good to bat around possibilities, concerns, insights.

The chapter meeting discussion, scheduled for half an hour, ran a full hour. And some people submitted their responses. I had not expected that. That was not my plan. Others asked if we could share the results with each other.  So I rewrote the survey to incorporate points people made in the discussion, and redistributed it. (I will tabulate results, but, internally, for my chapter only.)

The survey was a good way to get discussion going. So I’m sharing the original, and the updated versions (if you would like a word document version, let me know):

 

Original Survey

Survey

Mid-May, 2020

This is a “thought survey” – questions are to think about and to discuss.  UFT members in several schools are doing these.

For each question, choose the best answer, or answers, or think of your own.

I would prefer not to return to work in the building until:

• There is a vaccine
• Medical experts say it safe
• One particular person says it is safe – who?   ___________________
• I get the sense that there are many fewer people getting sick
• I’m ok going back as soon as it is opened

Necessary safety measures include:

• Everyone is tested
• Masks
• Shields
• Gloves
• Temperature testing

I would prefer not to return to work in the building until social distancing (six feet):

• is possible at all times
• is possible at most times, including the classroom, but not all times
• is possible at all times, but less than 6 feet is ok
• social distancing is not important to me

If we could see our students, in our classrooms, once a week, but remote teach at other times, and maintain social distancing (a hybrid model)

• I would not want this – too complicated
• I would not want this – sounds rushed/don’t trust the distancing
• I would not want this – wait until we could open properly
• I would want this

While we are remote, which live methods do you use?

• Live lessons – mandatory
• Live lessons – recorded for viewing later
• Live Discussions
• Live Tutoring/Review sessions/Extra Help
• Live Office Hours
• Other
• None of the Above

While we are remote, which live methods do you like?

• Live lessons – mandatory
• Live lessons – recorded for viewing later
• Live Discussions
• Live Tutoring/Review sessions/Extra Help
• Live Office Hours
• Other
• None of the Above

If we are teaching remotely September – December – what changes would you want to make?

 

Revised/Expanded Survey

Survey – Revised

Mid-May, 2020

This survey is voluntary. The responses will be shared with HSAS UFT members only.

For each question, choose the best answer, or answers, or think of your own. Feel free to ignore questions that are not relevant or interesting.

I would prefer not to return to work in the building until:

• There is a vaccine
• Medical experts say it safe
• One particular person says it is safe – who?   ___________________
• I get the sense that there are many fewer people getting sick
• I’m ok going back as soon as it is opened

Necessary safety measures include:

• Everyone is tested
• Masks
• Shields for adults
• Shields for kids
• Gloves
• Temperature testing

When it comes to cleaning I am most concerned with

• How thorough the cleaning will be before we return
• How thorough the regular cleaning will be once we return
• Specific training for the cleaners

I would prefer not to return to work in the building until social distancing (six feet):

• is possible at all times
• is possible at most times, including the classroom, but not all times
• is possible at all times, but less than 6 feet is ok
• social distancing is not important to me

If we could see our students, in our classrooms, once a week, but remote teach at other times, and maintain social distancing (a hybrid model)

• I would not want this – too complicated
• I would not want this – sounds rushed/don’t trust the distancing
• I would not want this – wait until we could open properly
• I would want this

There has been talk about other hybrid models. Which of these might make sense:

• Separate AM/PM groups of kids
• Alternating A and B days
• More face to face time with younger students (9^th, maybe 10^th)

While we are remote, which live methods do you use?

• Live lessons – mandatory
• Live lessons – recorded for viewing later
• Live Discussions
• Live Tutoring/Review sessions/Extra Help
• Live Office Hours
• None of the Above

Which live methods would you choose for your classes, if we teach remotely next year?

• Live lessons – mandatory
• Live lessons – recorded for viewing later
• Live Discussions
• Live Tutoring/Review sessions/Extra Help
• Live Office Hours
• None of the Above

Uncertainty

• The DoE should plan as if we are going to go back to school in September
• The DoE should plan as if we are teaching remotely in September
• The DoE should make plans for either contingency
• The DoE should make a decision (presumably remote) now, to take away the uncertainty

Live Teaching approaches

• It is good if each teacher / class has its own best approach to live teaching
• It is good if the school has a schoolwide policy on live teaching
• I am okay with what others do, as long as I can do what is best for my classes
• I would like time to be set aside for each teacher to use for live teaching, and then let them choose how to use it

Remote scheduling

• If we are remote, I would like a set daily time for each of my classes
• If we are remote, I would like a set daily time, but don’t expect kids in regular class groups
• If we are remote, I would like a set weekly time for each of my classes
• If we are remote, I would like a set weekly time, but don’t expect kids in regular classes
• The way we are now is fine.

Where do you fall on the question of remote tests?

• No multiple choice
• Has to be essays
• Not worth doing them
• They should be timed
• They should be untimed

How have you modified deadlines?

• Late the same day is ok
• Usually give a few more days
• Give about double the normal time
• Barely maintain any deadlines

How important is it to get students back into the building? Are there compromises we would make to achieve that?