Scarsdale School District
Curriculum Adaptations and Resources
for COVID-19
Introduction
In 2020-2021 we worked to carefully adapt our K-12 curriculum to reflect the hybrid and remote models.
Elementary Essential Learning Concepts by Grade
In line with experts in the hybrid/remote field, we have adapted our curriculum in the three majors ways.
Teachers are prioritizing making connections with our students. This means important time will be dedicated to community building within cohorts and personal connections between the students and instructors.
In many areas, the curriculum has been adapted to match the appropriate technology and/or safety requirements of the hybrid or virtual classroom. Some content will have to be taught differently, while some activities will not be possible at this time. Teachers in the virtual model will be front-loading technology learning into their classes, while teachers in the hybrid model will be embedding technology into their teaching in preparation for a possible switch to an “all remote” model.
Groups of Scarsdale educators have come together at the end of the school year and during the summer to examine curriculum maps and sequences and identify the essential concepts and skills that should be taught at each grade level in each content area.
The links below will connect you to this important work and provide information about our intentions for curriculum coverage. Our teachers will be meeting at regular intervals to review and revise these documents as necessary. Areas for additional enrichment or more in depth practice will be included shortly.
Communications
Elementary Learning Resources for Parents
Middle School Curriculum Adaptations
Middle School teachers met by department and team to make thoughtful decisions about the priorities and focus of the curriculum both vertically and horizontally across classrooms. This process relied on collaboration and consensus building for the sake of consistency and alignment. Like the elementary level, essential understanding and content is prioritized.
Other considerations about coverage include:
Emphasized student social emotional wellness
Curriculum engaged critical thinking, analysis, and collaboration skills
Determinations were made about the content that could be engaged independently or require in-class facilitation and direct teaching
Learning experiences may change to adapt to the current environment, however, the learning will remain intact
Any hybrid or remote model necessitates content adaptations. Scarsdale Middle School is dedicated to maintaining the best possible instruction and learning environment given the current risk mitigation needs.
High School Curriculum Adaptations
High School teachers met by department to make thoughtful decisions about the priorities and focus of the curriculum both vertically and horizontally across classrooms. This process relied on collaboration and consensus building for the sake of consistency and alignment. Like the elementary level, essential understanding and content is prioritized.
Other considerations about coverage include:
Curriculum engaged critical thinking, analysis, and collaboration skills
Skills and concepts considered essential for each course especially in light of sequential course sequences and college preparation
Determinations of what content could be engaged independently or required in-class facilitation and direct teaching
Any hybrid or remote model necessitates content adaptations. Scarsdale High School is dedicated to maintaining the best possible instruction and learning environment given the current risk mitigation needs.
Wellness
May 6th: Wednesday Wellness Day for students
Wonder Wander Wellness Wednesday (message to K-5 from Edgar)
Here is a link to activities for Wellness Wednesday (low and high tech)
Wellness Week (April 6-10)
Date: Thu, Mar 12, 2020 at 12:53 PM
Subject: Wellness Resources for Families of Elementary Students -- A Message From: Edgar McIntosh
State and Federal Grants
American Rescue Plan (ARP) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER)
Federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriation Act (CRRSA Act II)
New York State ESSA-Funded Programs Complaint Procedures
School Board Presentations Archive
BOE April 20, 2020 eLearning Update: Phase II Review.pdfApril 20, 2020
eLearning Update: Phase II Review
BOE March 23, 2020 Distance Learning.pdfMarch 23, 2020
Continuity of Education Plan
Surveys
May
We appreciate your ongoing feedback.
Please take a moment to fill out the linked survey's two essential questions:
What has been successful and/or improved with eLearning?
What is currently a struggle with eLearning?
By gathering this information, we are looking to continually refine and adapt our methods to best support student learning.
This survey will close at 7PM on Thursday, May 14.
Have a wonderful weekend and happy Mother's Day.
March
Feedback is important to all learning organizations, and, as such, we have been gathering important information about our eLearning plan through emails to the District and building administrators. Please take a moment to fill out the linked survey's two essential questions.
First, we ask about what has been successful in our current eLearning plan.
What has been going well?
What platforms, methods, communications, and structures have helped your child(ren) learn?
Second, we ask about the challenges that your child and family have had through our eLearning plan.
What has gotten in the way of the learning?
What structures are the most frustrating?
By gathering this information, we are looking to continually refine and adapt our methods to best support student learning.
March Parent eLearning Survey Emergent Themes.pdf