Supporting the Transition
K-12 education is in the process of transforming. For the past twenty years we have been focused on No Child Left Behind as determined by standardized test scores that have students memorize information and then select the correct answer from a list of choices. Certainly some good things came out of this push for accountability. But there were also some collateral damage. If you haven’t watched the YouTube video, Why We Need Common Core: “I Pick C”, available at this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dY2mRM4i6tY I would suggest you do and what you will see is the downside of memorization and multiple choice tests—lack of critical thinking (to say nothing of communication, creativity and true collaboration—not just working together to select the correct answer choice.)
And now, with the COVID 19 Pandemic raging across the country and the planet, education is being forced to adjust and adapt again in order to educate children and youth virtually through distance learning. Afterschool, with its youth development focus and its “learner-centric” approach is well-positioned to help the transition from test performance to authentic assessment. Afterschool has used disguised learning strategies to bolster practice time in math and English Language Arts and project-based and service learning strategies to engage youth in hands-on, minds-on learning, that is meaningful and collaborative. In this process skills are being developed and horizons broadened, and youth are being prepared to enter the 21st Century Workforce. All of these things can be led on distance learning platforms.
Central to this work of afterschool is a well-trained staff. Staff who are prepared to be a role model and mentor, and who have skills needed to facilitate learning. This doesn’t happen by accident. Please join Entrusted Legacy in supporting the staff development of these afterschool professionals. Our mission is to support youth and those who work with youth. You may invest in the future today by clicking on this link: