In the midst of this unprecedented crisis, it can be hard to imagine what education will look like in the future. Many schools are currently utilizing technology to continue teaching students. In other households, that task is falling to the parents. For most students and parents, this is a completely new approach to learning. There are concerns that the combination of stress and lack of motivation will result in a COVID slide—a more severe version of the summer slide which results in a regression in a student’s progress. Some students face an additional obstacle in lacking adequate resources to learn from home. According to the Associated Press, 17% of U.S. students do not have computers at home and 18% do not have access to high-speed internet.
We spoke with Cheryl Zwillinger, Director of Riverfront School and Career Center, to learn about how she and her team are addressing these challenges.
Can you describe the students served by Riverfront programs?
We serve at-risk youth, ages 14 – 24, that are low-income, have a history of trauma and face numerous barriers to success. The students are credit deficient and need a small school environment to get more individualized instruction. The Job Training clients need help with completing school, gaining work experience, achieving career goals. The Independent Living Program (ILP) clients are foster youth needing assistance with transition skills to live successfully on their own.
How have you approached distance learning with your students?
We are using a combination of on-line instruction through Google Classroom, packet work, projects, and some zoom instruction. Whatever works for the student! We’ve loaned technology to a number of students so that they can participate. We have a few who don’t have internet, so they are going the paper/packet route.
How are the kids responding to distance learning?
Some are doing very well. Almost all are engaging at some level. Our contact rate is about 90%. However, there are definitely motivation issues and the students aren’t happy with attending school this way!
Are there things that you feel the kids are gaining or missing out on from this new approach to learning?
Students who have a lot of school anxiety are doing well with the distance learning. But the majority need the in-person instruction and contact. They miss coming to school and they miss their friends. We try to get the parents to help but that isn’t always possible. Parents are busy with other siblings in the house, working, or other personal challenges.
Are you currently able to provide support to ILP and Job Training program participants?
Yes. All of the Job Training and ILP clients receive at least weekly calls and support from their case managers. We have helped clients with referrals to community resources when necessary and provided direct help – for example we purchased move out kits for some, baby stuff for a pregnant client, etc. We will be going back to face-to-face contact with ILP youth beginning in June.
Is there anything else that you would like to add?
I think all staff are eager to return to working with clients and students face-to-face. Overall, the staff morale has been good, and they are providing a lot of support to all the youth and their families.
For more information on Riverfront, Job Training, or ILP, contact Cheryl at 541-302-2554.