President’s
Perspective
Debbie Atkinson AAEA Board President Elementary Principal Bergman School District
The end of the 2019-2020 school year was
students. This will require a
unlike any experienced by administrators,
major change in our
teachers, parents, and students in history.
educational system.
The mold to the typical educational program was
Our state government will provide many guidelines
altered. Discussions were held and decisions were
that we must follow and each school may decide to
made to implement a plan to serve our students.
do even more so that teachers feel secure to perform
Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) became the
their tasks and students feel safe to learn.
b a c k b o n e t o e v e r y o n e ’s
AAEA has continued to stay abreast of the
curriculum, while technology
current issues during this pandemic. They
needs escalated to provide the communication between schools and families. Criteria was established related to graduation, promotion, and instruction. This had to be addressed quickly in order to maintain focus on the needs and goals of students. Traditions long held dear to the hearts of communities were put on hold or cancelled completely. So, what’s ahead for all of us?
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
-Margaret Mead
First, we have to keep close watch on COVID-19 and how it a ff e c t s o u r s t a t e a n d o u r children. Safety for all is priority number one. Secondly, administrators must plan with their staff how to meet the educational needs of students at school or at home or possibly both. What worked and what didn’t must be evaluated to construct a program that allows teachers to connect with their
have shared information with us as quickly as they have received it. If you have any suggestions or ideas that promote safety, learning, or better communication, please share with the representatives from your constituent group. Arkansas education and educators have received deserved recognition for the success of our schools. Let’s continue to do what’s necessary to maintain and improve our performance. One thing we can be sure of for this coming school year is that the delivery method of instruction will look completely different. However, the safety of our students will be the constant that never changes.
As we proceed throughout the 2020-2021 school year, I implore you to do what is best for our students no matter the circumstances. Our delivery methods will look different, but love before learning will be as important as ever!
students so that maximum learning occurs for all
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