Upper Canada school board parents happy with in-class, online learning models amid COVID-19
Posted Jan 14, 2021 08:35:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) says the majority of parents and guardians it surveyed about in-class and online learning models, pre-lockdown, are supportive and appreciative of staff efforts.
The UCDSB says, between November 30 and December 9, 2020, it asked for feedback about the school year, specifically regarding the student program experience and COVID-19 precautions in place within its schools.
Nearly 5,200 parents and/or guardians from across the UCDSB responded, which makes up about 20 per cent of households with students at Upper Canada schools.
The UCDSB says 79 per cent of respondents with students in its in-person and synchronous models (K-12) agree or strongly agree that their child is getting what they need to be successful, while 63 per cent in the asynchronous (a form of independent study) digital, and 67 per cent of those in the asynchronous non-digital models, reported the same.
Respondents also had the opportunity to provide feedback about improving the student experience. Common suggestions include:
- More access to school staff for remote learners
- Improved communication between parents/guardians and teachers/school
- Increased supports for student well-being
- More virtual field trips and school spirit days
Other key survey findings include:
- 80 per cent of respondents agree/strongly agree their school has taken appropriate precautions to prevent or limit possible exposures to COVID-19.
- 75 per cent of respondents say their child enjoys school or is interested/excited about school most of the time.
- 30 per cent of respondents with students in the asynchronous digital model and 27 per cent asynchronous non-digital disagree/strongly disagree their child is getting what they need to be successful.
“The feedback we received from our families is truly valued as it gives us insight into what we are doing well and where we can improve,” says Director of Education Stephen Sliwa. “The fact that the majority of respondents felt that their child is receiving what they need to be successful is positive and motivating news for our entire school district. We recognize there are areas that need our attention and we have already turned our attention to seeing where we can improve the learning experience for our students.”
The UCDSB explains that it is assessing feedback from respondents with students in the asynchronous learning model to determine how the learning experience can be improved, including providing clarity on delivery of instruction and improved materials.
The school board says it's also working with staff to find ways to further connect with students who are learning remotely and encourage more interaction between synchronous students and their peers. Staff will continue to check-in on student well-being and assist students and parents with managing expectations and workloads.
The UCDSB plans to conduct a high school student survey by the end of February, to get direct student feedback.
