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HebrewHammer14 t1_j8ovwf8 wrote

Reply to comment by SouthShoreSerenade in Massachusetts has the 2nd earliest average high school start time in the country (7:38am) by LuckyLaceyKS

Can we agree at least that in class learning is far better for kids than zooms learning? Which would mean that teachers are way more important than just being called babysitters.

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srg0pdrs4 t1_j8pa1y5 wrote

No... It's better for some kids, probably the majority given the learned helplessness of many. Teachers are more than babysitters, I certainly didn't act like one...but the general sentiment during Covid was that we were...my feelings.

I can confidently say it's not better for all...and Zoom isn't the only option. In a system of distrust zoom is horrendous, it's mandatory face time...and we all know how much we love that shit as adults.

Could it have been something much better? I absolutely think it could have ushered in a new concept of what school is... Maybe to be seen as more collaborative learning centers/community centers where kids could go rather than had to go... With educators, adjustment counselors, etc there to work with those that need help, in whatever capacity that was.

There is far too much control over the student body (I obviously understand why and there are larger societal problems to deal with before we can comfortably get to my vision) for it ever to feel like a place where kids, particularly adolescents (the only age group I can say I have solid experience with).

The downvotes on my other comments are pretty indicative that I do not represent the norm...lol, for what it's worth.

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HebrewHammer14 t1_j8pmz0c wrote

As someone who has 2 kids ( one of which with autism) zoom schooling was the absolute worst for elementary aged kids. And honestly you’re a moron if you think otherwise. Kids do not have the capacity to sit in front of a screen to learn all day. Kids also need the social interaction and structure of in school learning(especially special needs children).

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srg0pdrs4 t1_j8pnlcl wrote

I don't disagree...I had 4 in elementary school doing it...it sucked... badly. It was a major reason for me taking them out of public school if that what the adults/admins thought was right for 6-10 year olds..after a summer to think things thru...

But I don't think it sucked for all of my high school students...for some it was a whole new world that was opened.for them and they thrived...these were my highly intelligent yet socially awkward folks.

I disagree with the last point...I don't think that there is a one size fits all approach. Especially because of special education.* Social interaction is just that social, school is not the only place that happens...for some sure. And it should be in the elementary school years, exactly as you frame it. After that I think things start to vary widely. I'd argue for more social time and less guided academic time, if they're going to be 6 hours in a building...more sports, less structured learning and more opened ended project/interest based learning. I worked at Voke school and it was great that the kids had 50% time in their vocational area...I'd advocate for more of that across all schools. Apprentice programs. Help kids identify what they like not force them into boxes.

But what you have right now is that it's virtually impossible for a regular teacher without a co-teacher who specializes in Spec Ed to accommodate all students...that's where "zoom" comes in for academics, taking some kids out of the classroom for some of the time.

Just my take..kids like your autistic child would most likely benefit from less bodies in the room vying for attention one way or another. I'm speaking mostly from the perspective of a high school teacher. Elementary school i definitely feel that online learning should be supplemental not the driver.

Maybe I'm a moron...

Lots of pedagogical experts in this sub.

Edit: wanted to clarify...

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JoJo_____ t1_j8qkauh wrote

>more collaborative learning centers/community centers where kids could go rather than had to go…

Yeah as great as this sounds this wouldn’t work out. Unfortunately some if not most students even upperclassman high schoolers need structure. Giving them the ability to choose where they do and do not want to learn would most likely lead to low productivity and lower overall test scores.

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srg0pdrs4 t1_j8rzj5c wrote

I worked with plenty of students that could. In the last few years, I had many students that were taking community college classes online with no adult supervision. It was all on them to ensure they did their work and attended classes.

It works in many other places. I'm looking into something called Brave Generation Academy for my kids for the high school years. https://bravegenerationacademy.com/home

We clearly aren't ready for any sort of change in how we school in the US. Between gun violence and a fundamental lack of trust in people, both students, educators, as well as institutions...we have very low social trust.

Judging from the reaction to my comments, it's clear that most people are super happy with how school worked for them and how it works for their kids. I'm in the minority.

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