Remote Student Support & Online Enrichment

Posted March 20, 2020 | By

A student in a Smith College sweatshirt types on a laptop.

March 20, 2020 – Here’s what we’re reading this week about the issues affecting high-achieving students. Updates on canceled and rescheduled exams. Also, explore online enrichment resources and read about how institutions are supporting students amid the pandemic.

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Elementary & Secondary Education:

  • As schools across the country transition to online learning or pause instruction altogether, the U.S. Department of Education announces that states can cancel any standardized testing planned for this school year, reports Chalkbeat.
  • College Board has canceled the May 2 SAT, and is developing at-home testing options for AP exams. The April 4 ACT has been rescheduled.
  • Duke TIP provides free enrichment resources to homebound students to explore, including its Book Club for 4th-6th graders and for older students, curriculum covering English/language arts, cryptology, architecture, epidemiology, and more.

 

Higher Education:

  • As campuses continue to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic, newly admitted students are having to rely on unconventional resources to make decisions on where to attend college. The New York Times writes that many students are swapping out the typical campus tour with “virtual tours,” and scheduling Zoom conferences with admissions officers to gain critical access to information.
  • Many colleges have asked students to vacate their dormitories in a practice called “social distancing,” reports Education Dive. This approach is likely to protect the safety of thousands of students, as close quarters in college dorms have historically been locations where disease quickly spreads. Inside Higher Ed details how regional and community colleges are planning to support their students.

 

Cooke Foundation Highlights:

  • From the Top launches the Daily Joy newsletter to share music and smiles during each day of these uncertain times. A performance of “Feeling Good” featuring Cooke Scholars Peter Dugan and Charlotte Marckx is the first in this series.

 

Social Media Spotlight:

 

Photo header: Cooke Scholars tested out online resources at Scholars Weekend 2017.