Remote learning ‘may be the new normal even in the fall,’ Chicago schools chief says

Chicago Public Schools administrators are focused on building a sustainable remote learning system in case school buildings remain closed in the fall, schools chief Janice Jackson said Wednesday.

After administrators originally thought remote learning would be needed only on a temporary basis because of the coronavirus pandemic, Jackson said she and other officials came to the realization remote learning could remain in place into the next academic year.

“It’s now been extended through the end of the year, and some of the models have us even realizing the possibility that this may be the new normal even in the fall,” Jackson said at the Chicago school board’s monthly meeting.

Jackson’s comments came in response to questions from the board about the district’s grading policy as learning during the pandemic evolves. Board member Luisiana Melendez said grades during the closures “are going to reflect a lot more than student effort and engagement.”

Chicago Teachers Union President Jesse Sharkey said the district should adopt a credit/no credit system where students could opt into letter grades if needed for transcripts and college admissions.

Jackson said it’s a critical focus for the district to come up with a thoughtful grading policy that doesn’t harm students who don’t have computers, internet or the right learning environment at home by unfairly punishing them in their grades. Fourth quarter grading guidelines will be released soon.

But grading students isn’t the only concern, Jackson said. So is ensuring officials are doing their best to create a quality education for kids, no matter the format, and putting the onus on CPS to address students’ vast needs in a targeted way for the kids who need it most. CPS has 640 schools, each with its own distinct plan, and needs accountability for adults who might not assign much work when only a few students in a class are able to complete it, she said.

“If we create a situation where anything goes, or everybody gets a pass, what we’re seeing is there’s uneven, right now, implementation of remote learning.

“My argument is, if 10 kids show up, teach the 10 kids that show up,” Jackson said. “There needs to be checks and balances on everybody because this is still a school system, we are still running and all of us are still being paid to make sure kids get an education.”

CPS Chief Education Officer LaTanya McDade said the district will examine how each school is operating and work to enhance those processes.

“In some ways remote learning may never really even go away,” McDade said. “We’ll continue to be doing remote learning in some form or fashion even upon a return to school.”