As families around the country adjust to virtual learning — some for the rest of the entire academic school year — chances are, as a parent, you probably have some questions about your child's education.
And that's definitely understandable.
It's important to keep in mind that teachers are adjusting to the new way of educating your children, too, so really, you are in this together. That means you shouldn't be afraid to ask your child's teacher about some of the questions you might have.
How the heck can I access everything?
How can my child submit their work?
Many teachers are utilizing Google Classroom to set up assignments for their students. When they use the assignment feature, there is an option for students to submit right from the assignment. The feature is super handy because your child can submit their work through things like snapping a picture right from their computer, uploading a video, or attaching a file. But if you haven't used it before, it might be confusing. Even if it seems simple, don't be afraid to ask how to make sure work is getting submitted on time.
How is my child being evaluated?
You can get straight to the point here: How is your child being evaluated through remote learning? Will their work be graded? Is the semester going to be a pass-fail situation? What happens if they miss some of the meetings?
It's helpful if you know exactly what your child is being evaluated on, so you can help meet the goals and standards set by your specific state and school.
Can we opt out of virtual school altogether?
Don't be afraid to come right out with the question that you're probably wondering: Do you have the right to opt out of virtual learning altogether? Every state has different requirements right now, and for some families, virtual learning is just not feasible or accessible, so don't be afraid to ask. Communicate with your child's teacher about any challenges you are facing.
Is there anything else I should be doing?
Maybe you're worried that your child isn't doing enough or maybe you're worried that you're not doing enough. Either way, communicate with your child's teacher. They may be able to suggest additional ways to support your child's education or ease your fears about staying on track.
What happens if my child needs one-on-one help?
Obviously, a virtual classroom might not be able to provide the type of one-on-one instruction or help your child may need, but there may be additional resources your child's teacher can assist you with, or point you to.
Is my child being respectful?
With chat and video features that younger students will probably understand more than some experienced teachers, classroom management can still be a challenge, even virtually. Some teachers have reported students' private chatting during classes, for instance, or that kids "accidentally" leave their camera on when they shouldn't. Even though different rules might apply right now, it's still important to know if your child is being disrespectful.
On a related note, be sure you're aware of what the teacher's strategy is for addressing any disrespectful behavior while in a virtual class as well, so you can help them implement any necessary consequences.
