The Great Distance Learning Experiment

Summer 2020Vol. 2 No. 4

When we sent out the last edition of SchoolCEO three months ago, we hoped that by now, the world would be back to normal. But of course, today we're still working from home, still social distancing, still doing our best to fight the spread of COVID-19. Now, you're facing perhaps even more difficult decisions than you did in March, deciding how best to keep kids not only learning, but also safe.

Amid these minute-by-minute choices, a greater change is bubbling under the surface of public education. It's now becoming clear that the systemic problems brought into sharp relief by COVID-19 can't be ignored once it's over. In many ways, the pandemic has ushered in a new, more critical relationship between education and technology, and we believe that relationship is here to stay.

In this issue, we're focusing on how the effects of COVID-19 will continue to impact your district long-term. First, we wanted to know how parents feel about distance learning after this emergency trial period. We'll offer a SchoolCEO Study of over 1,200 parents' experiences: what they liked, what they hated, and what they hoped their districts would improve about remote learning. We're also excited to feature work from Dr. Don Lifto, a researcher and former superintendent previously featured in our School Bonds issue. With his team at Baker Tilly, Lifto surveyed Minnesota school leaders to gauge their response to the pandemic. We hope that by learning from their successes, failures, regrets, and missed opportunities, you can better prepare for future crises.

In keeping with this theme of growth and change, we're sharing a series of short "Crash Courses" - conversations we've had with leading professors and researchers about school innovation. They'll offer their most exciting ideas about building online communities, teaching remotely, and imagining a better future for education.

We'll also bring you the stories of superintendents seizing the pandemic's unlikely opportunities. In our latest Superintendent Perspective, Dr. Joe Sanfelippo of Fall Creek, Wisconsin, describes how he's engaging his community and cultivating leadership through bite-sized videos. Dr. Martin Bates sat down for a long distance Q&A to share how he built culture in Utah's Granite School District—and how he's leveraging that momentum to deal with COVID-19. Finally, we'll show you the transformative leadership of Dr. Michael Hinojosa, whose rise to the superintendency in a diverse set of Texas districts is being brought to bear in Dallas ISD.

As always, thank you for doing what you do as school leaders.

For the last two years, we've been endlessly impressed by your tireless dedication to kids, and our admiration has only grown over the last few months. In these next few months, remember to take care of yourself. We're excited to see the innovation you create for students across the country.

Crash Course Q&A: Dr. Henry Jenkins

Dr. Henry Jenkins shares unique perspectives on how schools and communities can look toward the future.

Crash Course Q&A: Dr. Martin Schedlbauer

Dr. Martin Schedlbauer shares insights and surefire methods for effective online instruction.

Dr. Joe Sanfelippo: Just a Minute of Your Time

Guest Writer Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, Superintendent of Fall Creek School District in Wisconsin, shares his unique approach to staying connected with his community and challenging others to lead.

The Great Distance Learning Experiment

Summer 2020Vol. 2 No. 4

When we sent out the last edition of SchoolCEO three months ago, we hoped that by now, the world would be back to normal. But of course, today we're still working from home, still social distancing, still doing our best to fight the spread of COVID-19. Now, you're facing perhaps even more difficult decisions than you did in March, deciding how best to keep kids not only learning, but also safe.

Amid these minute-by-minute choices, a greater change is bubbling under the surface of public education. It's now becoming clear that the systemic problems brought into sharp relief by COVID-19 can't be ignored once it's over. In many ways, the pandemic has ushered in a new, more critical relationship between education and technology, and we believe that relationship is here to stay.

In this issue, we're focusing on how the effects of COVID-19 will continue to impact your district long-term. First, we wanted to know how parents feel about distance learning after this emergency trial period. We'll offer a SchoolCEO Study of over 1,200 parents' experiences: what they liked, what they hated, and what they hoped their districts would improve about remote learning. We're also excited to feature work from Dr. Don Lifto, a researcher and former superintendent previously featured in our School Bonds issue. With his team at Baker Tilly, Lifto surveyed Minnesota school leaders to gauge their response to the pandemic. We hope that by learning from their successes, failures, regrets, and missed opportunities, you can better prepare for future crises.

In keeping with this theme of growth and change, we're sharing a series of short "Crash Courses" - conversations we've had with leading professors and researchers about school innovation. They'll offer their most exciting ideas about building online communities, teaching remotely, and imagining a better future for education.

We'll also bring you the stories of superintendents seizing the pandemic's unlikely opportunities. In our latest Superintendent Perspective, Dr. Joe Sanfelippo of Fall Creek, Wisconsin, describes how he's engaging his community and cultivating leadership through bite-sized videos. Dr. Martin Bates sat down for a long distance Q&A to share how he built culture in Utah's Granite School District—and how he's leveraging that momentum to deal with COVID-19. Finally, we'll show you the transformative leadership of Dr. Michael Hinojosa, whose rise to the superintendency in a diverse set of Texas districts is being brought to bear in Dallas ISD.

As always, thank you for doing what you do as school leaders.

For the last two years, we've been endlessly impressed by your tireless dedication to kids, and our admiration has only grown over the last few months. In these next few months, remember to take care of yourself. We're excited to see the innovation you create for students across the country.

How to Host Online Meetings (That Aren't the Worst)

Leadership Matters: Superintendents’ Response to COVID-19

Guest researcher and former superintendent Don E. Lifto, Ph.D., shares a snapshot of Minnesota superintendents’ leadership through the first months of the COVID-19 crisis.

Dr. Michael Hinojosa: Deep Roots

How the superintendent of Dallas ISD is leading one of the nation's largest districts through the impossible

Crash Course Q&A: Dr. Henry Jenkins

Dr. Henry Jenkins shares unique perspectives on how schools and communities can look toward the future.

Crash Course Q&A: Dr. Jen Golbeck

Tips from Dr. Jen Golbeck for bringing your district together—online

Crash Course Q&A: Dr. Martin Schedlbauer

Dr. Martin Schedlbauer shares insights and surefire methods for effective online instruction.

Crash Course Q&A: Dr. Lisa Dawley

Dr. Lisa Dawley breaks down the intersection between innovation and online learning.

Dr. Joe Sanfelippo: Just a Minute of Your Time

Guest Writer Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, Superintendent of Fall Creek School District in Wisconsin, shares his unique approach to staying connected with his community and challenging others to lead.

Dr. Martin Bates: School Culture and COVID

We spoke with Dr. Martin Bates of Utah’s Granite School District to learn how he’s preserving school culture amid our current crisis.