Finding the best way forward for public schools
The coronavirus has been devastating for so many in our community. Not only is it a public health care crisis, it is also an economic crisis.
And for students, teachers and families in our public schools, it is an education crisis, too.
When our public schools were forced to close, district leaders and educators in Shelby County immediately swung into action to address the most pressing needs — prioritizing student and teacher health, providing food to students in need, and supporting parents as the shift began to support remote learning and home instruction.
As the parent of a first grader at Idlewild Elementary, as well as the CEO of the Memphis Education Fund, I find it heartwarming to see the commitment of our teachers, students, parents, staff and leaders in Shelby County Schools, and in the many public charter schools in Memphis, as they have come together to address these issues.
They have quickly rallied together to offer students and families with some of the direct support they need — and to begin providing remote learning materials to continue student learning.
The Memphis Education Fund has also been actively engaged in supporting these efforts to help ensure continued and equitable opportunities for all children in Shelby County during these incredibly challenging times.
We are providing $130,000 in Family Relief Grants to offer direct financial support to families with SCS or ASD students whose livelihood has been disrupted by current events.
These grants for up to $250, which can be used for rent/utilities, medicine/sanitizing products, child care and technology for online learning, offering some additional help at a critical time for nearly 1,500 students and more than 600 families who are in the greatest need.
In addition, the Memphis Education Fund is donating $50,000 to SCS fundraising intermediary School Seed and the Tennessee Charter School Center, to provide laptops and devices to enable more students to learn at home.
But even with these and other efforts, we know it is not enough.
Too many students have lost precious teaching and learning time and remain at risk of falling way behind in their school work.
Now, some even tougher questions must be answered and quick decisions must be made.
❚ How do we quickly fill in technology and instructional gaps to ensure equitable opportunities for all students if we are forced to continue with remote learning as we move into the new school year?
❚ How do we make up for almost three months of lost instructional days from this current school year? And what do we do if our public schools cannot reopen at full capacity on time this fall?
❚ How do we address what is going to be an extended “summer slide” when many students, especially low-income students, lose achievement gains from the previous school year?
❚ Is it time to think about an extended school year next year with additional school days, regular Saturday school, or even implementation of a permanent year-round school model?
All of these challenges must be quickly confronted in what our elected officials are predicting will also be an incredibly tight budget year.
The choices will not be easy.
But the questions must be addressed. Our students and families are counting on us.
The future of our community is at stake. We hope you will join the conversation and help advocate in the best interests of all our children.
It is going to take all of us working together.
Now is our moment to be courageous, bold, and innovative as we reimagine how we educate this generation and future generations of students for our evolving, fast-paced, and unpredictable world!
Terence Patterson is the CEO of the Memphis Education Fund.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Qur'an, Quraish, 106:1-4
For the covenants (of security and safeguard enjoyed) by the Quraish, their covenants (covering) journeys by winter and summer--let them adore the Lord of this House, who provides them with food against hunger, and with security against fear of danger."
Talmud
Make your books your companions
MALLARD FILLMORE