Tag: coronavirus

Checking in on Your Child’s Learning Progress

As students, parents, and teachers struggle with continued school disruptions, they’re also grappling with this question: What did students not learn during the pandemic? Learning loss is real. The chaos in K-12 education over the past couple years, combined with the psychological and emotional toll wrought by the pandemic, left students across the country vulnerable to starting the school year behind where they need to be. To help, we’ve rounded up learning assessments families can use. 

Parents can use a variety of assessment tools to check in on their children’s learning progress. 

How can parents assess whether their students are learning at grade level? There are a variety of free online assessments that parents can use to gauge their children’s learning progress and readiness. In addition, parents can pay for their child to take a nationally norm-referenced assessment test, such as the Stanford Ten (in online form) or the Terranova 2 (in booklet form.

Check the tabs below for free learning progress assessment resources. We’ve also rounded up free at-home learning resources for families and tips for choosing a school!

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Khan Academy’s Official SAT Prep

For students wanting to better understand their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to the PSAT or SAT, Khan Academy’s diagnostic test can be a big help. After the initial assessment, the resource will create a free, personalized practice plan to help students improve on concepts they found challenging.

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Education Planner’s Learning Style Quiz

The Education Planner’s Learning Style Quiz is a short, 20 question quiz designed to help students understand their learning style and how it influences the way they understand information and solve problems.

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A2Z Homeschooling Math Level Assessments

A2Z Homeschooling offers a round-up with more than a dozen free math assessment tools. The post also features tips and additional ideas for informally evaluating your child’s math skills.

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K5 Learning Assessment Round-Up

K5 Learning is in the process of developing some math diagnostic tools for families. In the meantime, they’ve rounded up publicly released end-of-the-year tests from various states spanning grades 1-5. Even if your state isn’t on the list, you can use a test in your child’s grade level to assess their understanding of math concepts.

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Math Mammoth Assessment Tests

Math Mammoth offers free math assessment tests, as well as math curriculum, for grades 1-7. Even if you don’t plan to use the Math Mammoth curriculum, you can use the assessment test to gain an understanding of your child’s placement and general understanding of mathematical concepts.

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National Institute for Direct Instruction’s Resources

The National Institute for Direct Instruction offers placement testing that can help you gain a general understanding of your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Separate tests are available for reading, math, and writing.

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Varsity Tutors’ Math Assessments (Grades K-12)

Varsity Tutors offers free assessments for a wide variety of grades and topics, including K-8 math, Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, and more. While the assessments are designed to create a personalized learning plan for use with Varsity Tutor’s materials, they can be helpful as standalone assessments as well.

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A2Z Homeschooling logo

A2Z Homeschooling Reading Level Assessment Tools

A2Z Homeschooling offers a round-up with more than half a dozen free reading assessment tools. The post also features tips and additional reading ideas for understanding your child’s reading level.

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K5 Learning logo

K5 Learning Assessment Roundup

K5 Learning is in the process of developing some reading diagnostic tools for families. In the meantime, they’ve rounded up publicly released end-of-the-year tests from various states spanning grades 1-5. Even if your state isn’t on the list, you can use a test in your child’s grade level to assess their reading skills.

Learn More

NIFDI logo

National Institute for Direct Instruction

The National Institute for Direct Instruction offers placement testing that can help you gain a general understanding of your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Separate tests are available for reading, math, and writing.

Learn More

Varsity Tutors logo

Varsity Tutors’ English Assessments (Grades K-8)

Varsity Tutors offers free assessments for a wide variety of grades and topics, including K-8 English. While the assessments are designed to create a personalized learning plan for use with Varsity Tutor’s materials, they can be helpful as standalone assessments as well.

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Quill Diagnostic

Quill Diagnostic offers a grammar-focused assessment. The test covers sentence construction skills and can help reveal a student’s writing skills, as well as areas to practice.

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As the new coronavirus, COVID-19, spreads throughout the country, more and more schools are canceling classes and shifting their in-person instructional time online.  Many classroom teachers are now trying to understand the ins-and-outs of distance learning for the first time and looking for free online resources for schools. What does instruction look like? How do I ensure my students are still receiving high-quality education?  Will I be able to track the learning that is taking place?  

The good news is: help is available! Many companies are offering teachers and schools access to their online platforms for free for the duration of their closure. In the short term, a new education landscape is forming, and we have put together a list of free online resources for schools, educators, and administrators to help them navigate these unfamiliar waters. [bctt tweet=”A new education landscape is forming and dozens of free resources are available for educators and administrators who are moving classes online due to coronavirus’ spread.” url=”https://schoolchoiceweek.com/37-free-resources-for-schools-shifting-online-during-coronavirus/” via=”no”]

We will continue to monitor and update the resources listed here as new ones become available. Know of a resource we missed? Reach out to us!

Online Communication Platforms
Platforms to Create Interactive Presentations
ELA Resources
Foreign Languages/English as a Second Language
Math Resources
Social Studies Resources
STEM Resources
Multi-Subject Resources
Additional Resources
 

Online Communication Platforms

Edmodo:

Edmodo is a distance learning toolkit.  As educators, you can send messages, share class materials, and make learning accessible anywhere.  Families can receive class updates, support the learning that is taking place at home, see classroom activity, and monitor their child’s grades all from within the platform.

Free Services Offered: Always Free

How to utilize: Visit Edmodo and sign up for a teacher account.

 

Flipgrid:

Flipgrid is a social learning communications platform.  Educators create grids, which are the meeting place for your class, and then discuss the topics you have uploaded.  Your students can share their ideas, stories, and work by recording short videos based on the assigned topics and share them within the app.

Free Services Offered: Always Free

How to utilize: Visit Flipgrid and register for your educator’s account.

 

G Suite:

G Suite for Education allows educators to facilitate learning, keep track of tasks, and create opportunities for critical thinking.  Google is giving all current customers free access to advanced Hangouts Meet video-conferencing capabilities. This allows for larger meetings (up to 250 participants), live streaming for up to 100,000 viewers, and the ability to record meetings and save them in Drive.

Free Services Offered: Advanced Hangouts Meets video-conferencing for existing customers

How to utilize: Follow the instructions that were sent to G Suite Admins or visit the learning center page.

 

Hāpara:

Hāpara is a digital instructional suite that helps teachers with virtual classroom management.  When using Hāpara to provide instruction, your students see what you see. The platform gives you the ability to monitor the webpages that your students have open during the session, share files and assignments directly to student Drive folders, and co-teach all in one workspace.  

Free Services Offered: Free access until the end of June 2020

How to utilize: Fill out the form on Hāpara’s website to get your free access.

 

Kami:

Kami is a remote learning platform that integrates with Google Classroom, Schoology, and Canvas.  The platform gives you interactive tools (such as the ability to provide text, voice, or video feedback to your students), real-time interventions, in-app assignment submission, and a built-in grading feature.  Kami can even be used offline! Once a file has been opened you can work on it knowing that Kami will save your pending changes and upload them once you are back online. 

Free Services Offered: School-wide license activated until April 30th (with the option to extend as long as your school is closed)

How to utilize: Send an email to support@kamiapp.com to sign up.

 

Kialo Edu:

Kialo Edu is an argument mapping and debate platform that provides visual representations of discussions and debates in an interactive tree of pro/con arguments.  As a teacher, you can start a private discussion with any member of your class and provide feedback to students through the comment feature.  Kialo can be used to host classroom debates, assess learning, and share knowledge.

Free Services Offered: Always Free

How to utilize: Visit the Kialo Edu’s website and sign up!

 

Pronto:

Pronto is a self-described ‘communication hub’ that will connect you with your students via chat and video.  You can have a group video chat with up to 10 people for collaborative projects or broadcast your video live to up to 400 students.  Within the app you can send announcements, share files, and create lists so students can keep track of their tasks. Pronto is also has accessibility features – such as screen readers and dynamic text – and is FERPA compliant.  You are connected without sharing phone numbers or emails.  

Free Services Offered: Available for teams and teachers at no cost during this time.

How to utilize: Fill out Pronto’s form.

 

Zoom:

Zoom is a video conferencing platform that allows for both video and audio conferencing.  For students who don’t have access to computers at home, but do have a phone, they can call in to join the meeting!  Zoom’s free license allows you to have an unlimited number of video meetings that up to 100 students can join. There is also a chat feature that would allow your students to ask you questions while you are presenting.

Free Services Offered: Free License

How to utilize: Visit Zoom’s website and register for a free account.

 

Platforms to Create Interactive Presentations:

Edpuzzle

Edpuzzle is a platform that allows you to take any video and make it interactive!  As the teacher, you can track if your students are watching the videos you assign and how many times they’ve watched it.  You can add your own voice narration and questions to any video (you can use videos from YouTube, Khan Academy, Crash Course, and more).  They even have the ability for you to record your own video and upload it. Only one teacher from your school needs to fill out the form.

Free Services Offered: Full Access to the Platform

How to utilize: Create an Edupuzzle account and then fill out this form (or just fill out the form if you already have an account!)

 

Explain Everything:

Explain Everything is offering extended free access to Explain Everything Whiteboard.  This virtual tool can be utilized for online scenarios by helping you create explanation videos.  Within the platform you get infinite space to create, annotation tools to mark everything you have put on your canvas (including videos!), and all-in-one recording & editing features.  

Free Services Offered: Extended Free Access to Explain Everything Whiteboard

How to utilize: Fill out Explain Everything’s form.

 

Nearpod:

Nearpod is an online platform that allows you to create interactive lessons in minutes.  You can choose to import existing lessons, add in virtual field trips, create quizzes and polls, and even use matching pairs activities.  Nearpod can also add these features to your presentations in Google Slides. As the teacher, you can synchronize and control the lessons across all student devices, evaluate student responses (individually or as a class), generate post-session reports, and even create game-based learning opportunities for your students!

Free Services Offered: Free Access to Nearpod

How to utilize: Fill out the form on Nearpod’s website by clicking the ‘Request Support’ button in the middle of the page.

 

Pear Deck:

Pear Deck was founded by educators to help engage every student, every day.  With the Google Slides add-on you can create interactive questions and prompts for slideshows.  Once you have created your presentatio, you can either control the speed at which you present the material or allow students to move through at their own pace.  Pear Deck even offers the ability to publish a notes document that shows the information from the session!

Free Services Offered: Complimentary Access to Pear Deck Premium

How to utilize: Request Individual Access or District-Wide Access on the website.

 

Screencastify:

Screencastify is an online platform that helps with blended learning.  You can add the Google Chrome Add-on to recording full or partial lessons, recording assignment solutions & explanations, and provide verbal student feedback.  Screencastify also helps your students make their voices heard – great for speech and language practice! You can also save time by recording Professional Development, lesson plans, and parent communication.  Screencastify is COPPA, FERPA, and SOPIPA compliant, and integrates with Google Drive and Google Classroom.

Free Services Offered: Free Chrome Extension, other services upon request

How to utilize: Email sales@screecastify.com, they have tweeted that they will do whatever they can at no cost!

 

Slido for Education:

Slido for Education is a package for educators to increase interaction during lectures and virtual classes.  Slido for Education integrates with PowerPoint, Google Slides, Zoom Video Webinar, and provides improved Slido Quizzes.  You can integrate interactive polls, quizzes, and audience Q&A right in your presentation.  

Free Services Offered: Free for teachers & students globally until July 1.

How to utilize: Send an email to support@slido.com & juraj@slido.com to get access!

 

TechSmith:

TechSmith is offering two tools for free – TechSmith Snagit and TechSmith Video Review.  Snagit is a screen capture and recording tool that lets you quickly create and share images/videos.  Video Review allows online video collaboration for discussions and conversations around the content you have uploaded and shared.

Free Services Offered: Snagit and Video Review

How to utilize: Fill out the short form on the TechSmith website; you will receive an email with further instructions & onboarding resources.

ELA Resources:

Book Creator App:

Book Creator is a simple way for your students to make their own ebooks.  This platform can be used to create for any subject across any grade level. The resources hub gives you a range of lesson ideas, or create your own assignment that lets your students get creative to demonstrate their knowledge!  There is also a list of ways that Book Creator can help with remote learning on the website.

Free Services Offered: Premium feature – real-time collaboration on books

How to utilize: Create an account, start the collaboration trial, and fill out a short form to get access to this feature.

 

CommonLit:

CommonLit is a nonprofit education technology organization working to support all students with reading, writing, communication, and problem-solving skills.  The CommonLit Literacy Midel is built on a foundation of over 2,000 high-quality free reading passages for grades 3-12, complimented by aligned interim assessments, growth oriented goals, and expert led teacher development.  Teachers can assign Mini Units (short, self-paced thematic units for grades 5-12) and Text Sets (relevant reading passages from a variety of genres). 

Free Services Offered: Free account access for teachers, school/district leaders can pursue free virtual training and digital resource packs to support contingency plans.

How to utilize:  Teachers can sign up for free on the CommonLit website; school/district leaders can email partnerships@commonlit.org. 

 

Elementari

Elementari engages students to write their own story, working at their own pace.  The platform provides illustrations to inspire stories, develop analytical thinking, and provide a source of pride for students in their personal writing and coding projects.  Elementari is used around the world for writing in students native language and for second language learning. Teachers can review and give feedback on students’ stories remotely.  

Free Services Offered: Free Access to the Entire Platform

How to utilize: Fill out Elementari’s form to receive access.  

 

Epic!:

Epic! is the leading digital library for kids 12 and under, and it is free for educators.  With Epic! you instantly get access to 35,000 of the best books, learning videos, quizzes, & more.  The books have a feature that will read aloud the story to your students.

Free Services Offered: Always Free for Teachers

How to utilize: Visit the Epic! website and sign up!

 

Foreign Language/English as a Second Language: 

Mango:

Mango is a digital foreign language curriculum that can be accessed via desktop and mobile apps, even if you are offline!  Seamless integration features in the platform help you organize your class and as a teacher you have immediate, reliable time-on-task monitoring.  Mango integrates with multiple online platforms, including Clever.  You will find content created for over 70 world languages – including Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, German, Arabic, and English.  

Free Services Offered: Full access through the end of the 2019-2020 school year.

How to utilize: Fill out Mango’s form.

 

Voces Digital:

Voces Digital is a collection of world language titles covering Spanish levels 1-AP, French levels 1-3, and ESL levels 1-4.  The program incorporates grammar, vocabulary, and comprehensible input-based approaches to language learning. Each title in the Voces library contains audio and video, speaking exercises, interactive activies, authentic resources, presentations, assessments, stunning photographs, differentiation options, and customizable lessons.

Free Services Offered: Free Access to the Full program until June 30,02020.

How to utilize: Fill out the Voces Digital form and you will be contacted with your login information!

Math Resources: 

Mangahigh:

Mangahigh is a math platform that is built on the ethos of collaboration, community, and competition.  These elements are ingrained in both the teacher and student experience of the platform. As a teacher, you will get access to a full reporting dashboard and a full account for each student so they can continue their learning at home on any device available to them.  You can assign and assess students’ performance online and exchange messages with your students all within the virtual environment.

Free Services Offered: Full Access for Teachers and Students for 60 days (will extend if you are still closed.)

How to utilize: Register on Mangahigh’s website

 

Prodigy:

Prodigy is an engaging, curriculum-aligned math platform for students and teachers from 1st – 8th grade.  The platform encourages self-paced math practice for both in and out of school that is leveled based on your students progress.  Prodigy meets ESSA Tier 3 in partnership with John Hopkins University. Your students can work through topics based on their levels or you can assign specific skills for them to complete; all while they think they are playing a game!  State test prep is also available to assign.

Free Services Offered: Always Free

How to utilize: Sign up on Prodigy for an account today!

 

Tailor-ED:

Tailor-ED provides holistic learning experiences tailored to the needs of the teacher, the classroom, and each and every student.   The Teacher Basic Plan is free and includes K-8 standard aligned math resources, smart differentiated lesson tools, and SEL-based exit tickets. You can create up to 4 units with the free teacher account.

Free Services Offered: Always Free

How to utilize: Sign up for Free on Tailor-ED!

 

Social-Studies Resources: 

Seterra:

Seterra is the ultimate map quiz site.  You can use already created geography and science quizzes to review learned information.  Through these quizzes you can explore the world and learn about its countries, capitals, cities, rivers, lakes, and more.  With your free account you can create custom quizzes, add custom locations to quizzes, and use a public leaderboard.

Free Services Offered: Free Level 1 Seterra Geography Membership

How to utilize: Register for an account on Patreon.com.  Then, email info@seterra.com with your name, school name, state/country, and email address associated with your Patreon account.  

 

STEM Resources: 

Tynker:

Tynker is the #1 coding platform for kids – Tynker fuels creativity in thousands of schools and powers the imagination of 60 million kids worldwide.  In the platform you can access 40+ aware winning block & text-based courses and over 3,700 learning modules. Tynker is broken down into three age groups: Ages 5-7 (voice instructions); Ages 7-13 (drag and drop coding); and Ages 13+ (real world coding).  For teachers looking to utilize this platform, webinars are available to help you use the features in a remote learning environment.

Free Services Offered: Free Access to the entire Platform until May 2020.

How to utilize: Fill out Tynker’s form.

 

Vidcode:

Vidcode is a computer science curriculum and coding platform.  The courses teach computer science, object-oriented programming, web programming, design, & JavaScript.  Learners can upload photos, illustrations, videos, and audio – and manipulate them with code right away! This allows tweens and teens to connect computer programming to the media they interact with every day.  Webinars are available to help you get started.  

Free Services Offered: Full platform and Curriculum for free until May 2020.

How to utilize: Fill out Vidcode’s form to gain access.  

Multi-Subject Resources: 

2Simple – Purple Mash:

Purple Mash contains thousands of opportunities for learning in the form of open ended tools (publishing, story creation, game design), spelling & grammar (complete spelling scheme, set weekly spelling quizzes, grammar games), math (math-based tools and resources), and cross-curricular project work (themed writing templates, slide shows, stories, quizzes).  You will receive unlimited pupil logins on a cloud-based platform that can be accessed anytime. Serial Mash gives you access to over 100 books in the ever-growing library that you can adjust the text size, background color, and font to make reading easier.

Free Services Offered: Full Access to Purple Mash and Serial Mash for the duration of your closure.

How to utilize: Fill out the form on 2Simple’s sign-up page to receive access.

 

Age of Learning – ABCmouse, Adventure Academy, ReadingIQ:

ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy is a comprehensive, research-validated curriculum for preschool through second grade, available on all major digital platforms and used by tens of millions of children to date.  Adventure Academy is a first-of-its-kind educational massive multiplayer online game, serving elementary and middle-school aged children with thousands of learning activities in a fun and safe virtual world. ReadingIQ is a digital library and literacy platform for children 12 and under designed by reading experts to improve literacy skills, with many thousands of expert-curated books from leading publishers.

Free Services Offered: Free Full Access

How to utilize: Fill out Age of Learning’s form.

 

BrainPOP:

BrainPOP is a playful, educators focused platform that has learning games, animated movies, and activities that cover universal topics.  There are three platforms: BrainPOP Jr (K-3, encourages young learners to ask questions and form their own ideas in STEM, Social Studies, Reading/Writing, Health, and arts); BrainPOP (Upper Elementary and Middle School, STEM, Social Studies, English, Health, Arts & Music); and BrainPOP ELL (proficiency-based English language learning program appropriate for all ages with vocabulary, grammar, listening and reading & writing activities).

Free Services Offered: Free, unlimited use during your closure.

How to utilize: Fill out BrainPop’s form and watch for an email with instructions.

Bonus: BrainPOP is currently offering free access to their new Coronavirus Topic and accompanying lesson plan

 

BreakoutEDU:

Breakout EDU is an immersive learning games platform that brings the challenge of an escape room to the classroom.  All Breakout EDU games require players to use critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and communication. The purchase of each Breakout EDU kit includes a unique collection of boxes, re-settable locks, and access to a digital platform with over 1,500 games.

Free Services Offered: A collection of digital games that students can play.

How to utilize: Simply visit the BreakoutEDU website and choose the game you want to play!

 

Discovery Education:

Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital curriculum resources for K–12 classrooms worldwide. We are the home to award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content, and the largest professional development community of its kind.

Free Services Offered: Free access to Discovery Education Experience through the remainder of the school year.

How to utilize: Principals and Superintendents email educationpartnerships@discoveryed.com to gain access.

 

Education Perfect:

Currently used by over 1 million students across 1,800 schools, as a cloud-based software, EP enables schools to deliver curriculum-aligned lessons and assessments remotely.  By allowing teachers to monitor and measure how students are engaging with their learning in real time, teachers can maximize their efficacy – even in a remote setting.

Free Services Offered: Free unlimited access for schools until May 1.

How to utilize: Fill out Education Perfect’s form.

 

Edmentum:

Edmentum is a leading provider of online learning programs designed to drive achievement for academic and career success for pre-k through 12th grade.  There are two programs being offered for free to teachers at this time: Study Island and EdOptions.  Study Island is a K-12 program with standards-based practice, test preparation, and formative assessments.  Your students get feedback to guide learning and you will receive immediate data to determine who needs intervention.  EdOptions is a K-12 virtual learning solution where students access engaging, standards-aligned curriculum through a fully virtual learning environment.

Free Services Offered: Two month free trial to Study Island or two free EdOptions Academy courses.

How to utilize: Visit Edmentum’s website, select the program you would like access to, and fill out the form!

Bonus: Parents can sign up for Study Island For Home and Edmentum has a School Closure Resource Page!

 

Freckle.com:

Freckle empowers teachers to differentiate instruction across Math, ELA, Social Studies, and Science.

Students automatically work on the Math, ELA, Social Studies, and Science lessons that are perfect for them.  That way, they are always engaged and challenged, never facing material that is too difficult or easy for them.

You know exactly how they’re doing – With Freckle’s easy to use reports, you can quickly see how all of your students are performing across standards and skills.  Freckle offers content for the following subjects and grade levels: Math K-9, ELA K-12, Social Studies K-12, and Science K-8.

Free Services Offered: Always Free for teachers

How to utilize: Sign up for your free account on the Freckle’s website.

 

GoNoodle: Good Energy at Home:

GoNoodle is a company focused on engaging kids with movement and mindfulness videos created by child development experts.  GoNoodle has created a resource page containing free premium content and learning materials to help teachers and students.  On their Good Energy at Home page you will find movement and mindfulness videos, as well as ideas for off-screen activities for kids/families to do.  Each video posted on the website has a description and related home activities.  Some even include printable activities!  The content on this page will be updated weekly.

Free Services Offered: Free premium content and learning materials.

How to utilize: Visit GoNoodle’s website to get started today! 

 

Kahoot!:

Self-paced challenge mode is a free feature that’s already available for all educators.  Students can complete self-paced games by themselves at home, on a mobile device, or computer.  Teachers can use advanced reports to facilitate formative assessment and adjust instruction based on student performance – even then they cannot attend school.  Kahoot! Premium also lets teachers put together a bank of school-wide educational games and collaborate with other teachers in their school.

Free Services Offered: Free access to Kahoot! Premium for the remainder of the academic year.

How to utilize: Fill out Kahoot!’s form

 

Listenwise:

Listenwise is a collection of daily current events and standards-aligned lessons, along with assessment tools to support distance learning.  You can search 2000+ collection of ELA, Social Studies, science, and current event lessons to assign students listening comprehension questions and/or listening organizers.  As the teacher, you can assign listening comprehension quizzes and track student progress in your Listenwise data dashboard and keep students on track with their learning by asking them to listen to relevant, engaging, podcasts and participate in online discussions in Google classroom.

Free Services Offered: Free premium account through April 30th (can extend if your school is still closed)

How to utilize: Fill out Listenwise’s form to get access. 

 

MobyMax:

MobyMax helps struggling learners quickly catch up to grade level and closes learning gaps for all students.  The comprehensive software curriculum spans Math, ELA, Science, and Social Studies in grades K-8. MobyMax features adaptive differentiation through diagnostic testing, adaptive lessons, IEP goals, progress monitoring, assessments, an daily goals.  

Free Services Offered: Free access for the rest of the year once you have closed.

How to utilize: Call 888-793-8331 to get started.

 

Scholastic Learn at Home:

Even when schools are closed, you can keep the learning going with these special cross-curricular journeys.  Every day includes four separate learning experiences, each build around a thrilling, meaningful story or video.  Kids can do them on their own, with their families, or with their teachers. Just find your grade level and let the learning begin!  This resource offers 5 days of cross-curricular journeys for the following age groups: Pre-K and K, Grades 1 and 2, Grades 3-5, and Grades 6+.

Free Services Offered: Full access for 5 days worth of activities for each age range

How to utilize: Visit the Scholastic Learn at Home website to choose your grade level.  The directions will walk you through creating any necessary free accounts.

 

Shmoop:

With a laser focus on easing the stress of the learning environment, Shmoop aims to improve the approach to teaching and learning through engaging content and a personalized approach.  Students and teachers can tap into over 10,000 educational videos, 400 digital learning courses, personalized test prep, and thousands of study guides. Shmoop focuses on high school and middle school students.

Free Services Offered: Free access now through May 31, 2020

How to utilize: Send an email to support@shmoop.com to get started.

 

Virtual Field Trips:

Virtual Field Trips offers videos covering K-8 social studies, life science, geography, and ancient civilization curriculum content.  The videos on the website are standards-aligned with corresponding quizzes for each video.  Teachers can find 300+ learning activities specifically designed to accompany the videos.  Virtual Field Trips is a mobile friendly website that works across devices.  Each student in your class receives their own login.

Free Services Offered: Free 60-day membership (longer if required)

How to utilize: Send an email through the ‘Contact Us‘ form on the website or email info@virtualfieldtrips.net

Additional Resources:

COVID-19 Educational Resources:

This is a master resource list that is updated continuously.  The GLIDE tool appears like an app, however it is a web-based tool.  Within the GLIDE you can search for specific resources by typing in the search bar or utilize the categories.  Educators from around the world have been sharing and submitting resources to this tool. If you have resources to share, you can also add them by using the + sign at the top of the tool and filling out the form.

 

Educator Temporary School Closure for Online Learning:

This is a facebook group  of over 46,000 educators created to support each other in planning distance or online learning due to school closures for COVID-19.  There are tons of ideas and resources shared in an ongoing manner, and many teachers are linking up to collaborate from across the country.  From this group, a number of break-out groups focused on specific content areas/roles have been created:

 

Comcast offering ‘Internet Essentials’ package free for low-income customers for 60 days:

Comcast announced it will be increasing speeds for the Internet Essentials program, and making the program free to new low-income customers for two months, amid the coronavirus outbreak.  To sign up, visit Comcast’s Internet Essentials webpage.

 

Charter to offer free access to Spectrum broadband, WiFi during virus outbreak

Charter announced it will offer free services to families around the nation starting Monday, March 16 and continuing for 60 days.  To enroll, call 1-844-488-8395.

 

Know of any free online resources for schools that we missed? Send us an email via the “Contact Us” button below.

A Safe, Responsible, and Celebratory Approach to National School Choice Week 2021

Dear Participants and Supporters,

We believe that all Americans should do their part to curb the spread of COVID-19. That is why today, we are requesting that our partners and participants not plan in-person events during National School Choice Week 2021 (January 24-30). We cannot in good conscience provide support, assistance, or materials for such events in 2021.

Over the past several years, School Choice Week has grown from an effort that focuses primarily on one week of events, to a year-round effort that also provides trusted, practical information for parents who seek to choose education options that meet their children’s needs. This year, we intend to scale up these efforts even more, as an unprecedented number of parents across the country seek answers and flexibility in their children’s education. This is a tremendous national need that must be met, and our team will do everything we can to help meet it.

In addition, we encourage the schools, homeschool groups, organizations, and individuals who usually hold events during National School Choice Week to continue to use their resourcefulness and creativity to raise awareness about school choice in new ways. The possibilities are practically endless, from student art competitions, online information sessions, virtual movie nights, school and home decoration, and car parades. In fact, our team is excited to provide schools and organizations with free activity kits to help bring these ideas to life, and we will be rolling out a variety of project ideas and inspiration in the months to come.

This unique time in our country requires us all to work hard at working together and helping families and schools that are struggling. Together, we will continue to shine a spotlight on effective education options for every child by developing practical resources about K-12 education for families, spotlighting exceptional educators, assisting parents as they navigate remote learning, and supporting the individual talents of students.

Sincerely,

Andrew R. Campanella,
President, National School Choice Week

 

List of free educational resources for parents!

 

The new coronavirus, COVID-19, is affecting many students’ learning, triggering state-wide class cancellations and shifting in-person classes online. Around the U.S., more than 95,000 schools are closed, were closed and have been reopened, or are scheduled to close, impacting more than 43.9 million students. As families evaluate how to keep their children safe and healthy while still learning, we have compiled the following resources to help families navigate these unique times.  

Many of these educational resources require internet access. Note that, due to the coronavirus emergency, Comcast has announced that it will be increasing speeds for its Internet Essentials program and offering new, low-income customers 60 days of complimentary service. To sign up, visit their webpage. Similarly, Charter is offering 60 days of free access to Spectrum Wi-Fi for households with K-12 and/or college students who do not have a Spectrum subscription. Families can enroll by calling 1-844-488-8395.

 

[bctt tweet=”School closed?  Staying healthy at home?  Learn about free educational resources your child can use from home.” url=”https://schoolchoiceweek.com/as-new-coronavirus-spreads-know-your-homeschool-and-online-learning-options/” via=”no”]

 

How will Coronavirus impact my child’s school?

The answer depends on where you live and what school your child attends. As of March 18, 39 states have closed schools. Your local school or school district should provide updates on their COVID-19 plans, including whether a meal distribution plan is available. In addition, this map from Education Week tracks school closures nationwide and is being updated at least twice a day. 

How long will disruptions last?

It’s unclear. Some schools and school districts have shut down till at least early April. Some states, like Kansas, have announced that schools will be closed for the remainder of the school year. It’s unlikely that COVID-19 will disrupt an entire year’s worth of schooling. However, your child may be out of school for at least a few weeks, so you may want to discover more about your options for learning from home.

How are schools and districts adapting to Coronavirus? 

As COVID-19 spreads, thousands of schools are switching in-person classes to videoconference classes.  In addition, one of the largest online education providers, K12 Inc., has offered resources for parents and school districts needing more flexible education options due to the coronavirus. Many other online learning platforms are also offering free resources to educators amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

online learning offers flexibility in times of health concerns, such as the new coronavirus

Can I switch to a virtual school?

Some families affected by COVID-19 have expressed interest in signing up for online school. Across the country,  375,000 students already attend online school in the U.S., and these options are available in more than half of U.S. states. Online schooling usually offers flexible schedules that can accommodate a variety of health needs. 

 

Find more info about how full-time online school works, and see a directory of online school options by state. 

 

I’m interested in homeschooling. How do I get started?

Every state has its own homeschooling policies. But, parents in every state have the freedom to educate their children in the home. 

Some education experts anticipate that COVID-19 may generate increased interest in homeschooling. For example, Kevin Carey, vice president for education policy at New America, has said that the coronavirus could lead to “a vast unplanned experiment in mass home-schooling.”

Currently, approximately two million students in America are homeschooled. Some families have tried this outside-the-box education choice full-time and never turned back! Even if this education option isn’t your long-term plan for your family, there may be a season of life where it becomes the right fit for now.  

 

Discover more about homeschooling rules and resources in your state. 

 

What can I do to augment my child’s learning if school is cancelled? 

Fortunately, there are more educational resources accessible from home than ever before. Here is a list of free education resources you and your student can use to continue the learning journey, even if classes are cancelled. As long as you have an internet connection, you can use these online resources to unlock hours of learning:

Khan Academy – Khan Academy offers free courses of all grade levels to help students master subjects and accelerate their learning. Through these courses, Kahn Academy allows students to personalize their learning and learn at their own pace. 

PBS LearningMedia – PBS LearningMedia provides students with free lesson plans, videos, and games aligned with standards they are learning in the classroom.

TEDEd – TEDEd brings lessons to life for students through animation. TEDEd’s goal is to ignite curiosity among learners. To do this, TEDEd collects the best teacher lessons around the world. Then, it turns them into shareable animated videos for students.

PowerMyLearning Connect – PowerMyLearning Connect offers curated learning from a variety of online platforms. K-12 students can access free content in all core subjects and many electives, with the ability to choose standard aligned lessons. 

BrainPOP – BrainPOP provides animated interactive lessons, quizzes, and games for core subjects and a variety of electives. 

No Red Ink – No Red Ink is a free resource for online writing and grammar practice. 

Lumosity – Lumosity offers free brain games to keep student minds actively engaged. For example, the games use problem solving, critical thinking, and memory to keep students on their toes and strengthen their skills. 

Duolingo – Duolingo helps students keep up with foreign language skills. Duolingo offers 30+ languages so students can start learning a variety of languages that interest them. Or, students can use Duolingo to practice the foreign languages they are already learning in the classroom. 

EVERFI – EVERFI offers free supplemental lessons for the whole student in areas of Finance, SEL, Health, College/Career Readiness, and related topics.

Edmentum’s Study Island for Home – Through Edmentum’s Study Island for Home, parents can access trusted K-12 programs tailored to state standards. Families can receive one year free by using the code: EdmentumSupport2020. Note that registration will require a credit card and you will see what looks like an auto-renewal, but Edmentum will not auto-renew or charge your credit card.

Carnegie Mellon University’s CS Academy – Looking to introduce your kids to Python programming? CMU CS Academy is a free online, interactive high school computer science curriculum. By signing up for a mentor account, families can access the CS0 course. This course includes about 40 hours of instruction and is intended for middle school, out-of-school programs, and summer camp settings. 

 

[bctt tweet=”Don’t let the coronavirus stop you from learning. Find educational options you can use from home at https://schoolchoiceweek.com/as-new-coronavirus-spreads-know-your-homeschool-and-online-learning-options/.” url=”no” via=”no”]

 

Where can I learn more about coronavirus’ impact on K-12 education? 

To get a better sense of how COVID-19 is impacting K-12 education, check out these articles:  

COVID-19 (“Coronavirus”) Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel, by the U.S. Department of Education

What could happen if the coronavirus closed schools for days, weeks, or even months, by Ashley Fetters and Timothy McLaughlin 

Talking to Children about COVID-19: A Parent Resource, by the National Association of School Psychologists 

Children and Coronavirus: 4 Questions Answered, by Sarah D. Sparks

 

List of free educational resources for schools shifting online