COVID-19 Considerations for Reopening Schools Academic Re-entry Stage Two: Meeting Learners Academic Needs

  • School shutdowns may have caused some learning loss.
  • Formative assessment can help set learning goals and a path to close any gaps.

By Jim Gaines
jim.gaines@education.ky.gov

How to safely reopen schools is not the only issue facing Kentucky educators this fall. Teachers and administrators also must deal with the COVID-19-related effects on learning.

To help with that, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) released “Academic Re-entry, Stage Two: Meeting Learners’ Academic Needs” guidance on July 13.

“Due to the extended remote learning that occurred during the spring of 2020, students may have more gaps than typically expected in their understanding of grade-level standards from the 2019-2020 school year,” the document says. It gives Kentucky educators guidance on how to evaluate and close those gaps through formative assessment.

Formative assessment is a long-term process that requires planning, involving students and teachers alike. The process helps set learning goals and a path toward achieving them.

The 20-page document gives detailed advice on formative assessment and planning, including links to further resources.

MORE INFO …