Dear Academic Approach Families & Colleagues:
As students settle into their winter breaks, we’re reflecting on lessons learned from remote learning.
Remote Learning: Costs
As schools consider what changes to instruction the spring may bring, around half of American students leave for winter break following a remote fall. We’ve shared with you various estimates of what this shift in instruction has cost students academically. Most concerning are the thousands of students who haven’t returned to school at all this year. Students, parents, and teachers have reported disengagement and challenges in reaching students during instruction and outside of virtual class.
Personalized Learning: Opportunities
We know one thing to be true: students can learn, virtually and in person, even in these challenging circumstances. We’ve seen it in our work with students throughout 2020, and the research has shown what we know to be true: personalized, high-quality, frequent instruction can close even the most significant learning gaps. One-on-one instruction is “remarkably effective at helping students learn,” as studies have proven time and again.
We’re looking forward to the most productive and successful 2021 for our students, families, and colleagues. The Academic Approach Team would like to wish you and your loved ones Happy Holidays.
Be well,
Matthew Pietrafetta, Ph.D., Founder & CEO
