By Sara Mitrano
August 25, 2020
School districts across the country face numerous challenges as they begin teaching students this fall. We rounded up evidence-based resources from the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) network to support educators as they respond to the learning and teaching disruptions caused by the pandemic, including addressing summer learning loss, fostering positive learning environments for students and teachers, and supporting students with disabilities and English learner students. For more resources on teaching during the pandemic, visit the REL Program’s COVID-19 page.
Identifying and addressing the impacts of summer learning loss
Because of COVID-19, many students may not have been able to participate in summer learning programs or were less engaged than in previous years.
- REL Central held a webinar on how teachers and administrators can use assessments to identify and address learning gaps caused by the pandemic.
- REL Northwest compiled research on potential impacts of the extended pause of academic instruction during COVID-19.
- What Works Clearinghouse practice guides provide evidence-based recommendations to help educators address summer learning loss, including detecting and supporting elementary and middle school students who are struggling with math; reducing dropout rates in middle and high schools; and organizing instruction to improve student learning.
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A REL Southeast infographic lists factors that states and school districts should consider when planning for future summer learning opportunities affected by COVID-19 [90 KB
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Fostering positive learning environments for students and teachers
- A REL Appalachia blog post describes tools and strategies that educators may find useful for addressing student- and educator-related trauma caused by the pandemic.
- A REL Southwest infographic highlights how teachers, parents, and caregivers can support young children’s emotional needs and create a safe and productive home environment for learning.
- REL Southwest also hosted an interactive webinar that provides an overview of trauma in schools and discusses trauma-responsive strategies and practices.
- REL Pacific wrote a blog post that reflects on teacher well-being during the pandemic and describes practices that encourage teachers to build and strengthen caring relationships with one another and students.
- REL West recently hosted a webinar that outlines strategies to help educators support the social and emotional needs of students affected by COVID-19 and the demand for racial justice.
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REL Central compiled a list of resources to engage American Indian/Alaska Native families and support the social-emotional wellness of their children during COVID-19 [42 KB ].
Adapting instruction for students with disabilities
- A REL Mid-Atlantic blog post outlines promising practices for adapting online learning for students with disabilities.
- REL Midwest also published a blog post discussing how to address the unique needs of students with disabilities in remote settings.
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A REL Northeast & Islands FAQ describes methods for providing online instructional support to students with disabilities [181 KB ].
Supporting English learner students
- This REL Midwest blog provides guidance for navigating remote learning for English learner students.
- REL Southwest hosted a webinar on how to adapt instruction for English learner students in a distance learning environment.
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