EdLeader Episode 16 - Grace Over Grades: Supporting Academic During the Coronavirus School Closure

Show Notes

In this episode of EdLeader, Dr. Jackson sits down with two gifted Instructional Leaders, Dr. Brad Breedlove and Dr. John Jones, to discuss supporting academics during remote learning in the unprecedented challenges presented by the coronavirus, COVID-19. Chief Academic Officers in large school districts, Dr. Breedlove and Dr. Jones share their belief in grace over grades, in the need to share a message of hope, in the power of well-crafted flexible plans, in meaningful feedback, and in continuing to seek unresponsive students. The trio also discuss the current role of MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) in meeting the unique needs of students during this time.

Dr. John Jones serves as the Chief Academic and Accountability Officer for Rock Hill Schools in Rock Hill South Carolina. He has been serving as in public education for 31 years. Dr. Brad Breedlove serves as the Chief Academic Officer for Union County Public Schools in Monroe, North Carolina. He has been a public school educator for 21 years. Their decades of experience leading in the area of curriculum and instruction give them a perspective and valuable insight that all EdLeaders can benefit from as they reflect on their current challenges.

The Big 4 referenced by Dr. Jones:

1. Instruction continues with meaningful feedback
2. Exceptional Children (EC) and English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) services continue
3. Grading and feedback are not to be used as punishment because families lack access to high-speed internet or are in the midst of unique challenges
4. Continue to seek to serve unresponsive students

Dr. Brad Breedlove - @bradbreedlove90

Union County Public Schools – @UCPS_MonroeNC

Dr. John Jones - @Dr_John_Jones

Rock Hill Schools - @RockHIllSchools