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Administrator Resources

The resources provided in this section may be helpful to administrators as they support their teachers in utilizing technology to provide high-quality instruction and learning experiences for New York State students.

Decisions on instruction and learning, including any technology tools used to facilitate, support, or enhance learning, are made at the local level.

Planning Tools and Points for Consideration: Online Learning
  1. U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology (OET) School Leader Digital Learning Guide
    • This School Leader Digital Learning Guide is a resource to help you consider, plan, fund, implement, maintain, and adapt learning programs that meet the unique needs and requirements of the students and teachers that you serve. The guide is oriented toward digital learning principles and practices that enable and empower students and teachers of all abilities and zip codes while advancing student agency (i.e., initiative, intention, and responsibility in pursuing their education), their personalized learning, their mastery of skills and competencies, and protecting their privacy.
  2. Continuity of Learning Tools, Aurora Institute (formerly iNACOL)
    • Resources for educators, school leaders, and education policymakers at all levels with helpful resources to navigate the challenges presented by the coronavirus outbreak. [Resources] are intended to help school communities prepare for change and to focus on the facts to protect public health, mitigate confusion, prevent panic — and continue teaching and learning.  
  3. SETDA Coalition for eLearning
    • SETDA, the State Educational Technology Directors Association, has assembled vetted examples, resources and thinking from their trusted state members, affiliates and partners to assist states, districts, and school leaders get started with remote learning during this challenging time of COVID-19. Please note, while these are reliable examples and tools, they have not been implemented for large-scale, extended emergency digital learning. Here are some initial considerations and starting documents. 
  4. 10 Strategies for Online Learning During a Coronavirus Outbreak, ISTE
    • Members of ISTE’s professional learning networks have identified key practices for successful online learning programs. 
  5. COVID-19 Response: Preparing to Take School Online, CoSN
    • The Consortium for School Networking (COSN) has released a document that includes key considerations for districts contemplating moving classrooms online.  Includes key considerations on topics including teacher and student readiness and preparation, systems, devices, network access and internet connectivity, cybersecurity, and Technical support.
Social Emotional Learning Resources

Students and teachers transitioning to online learning and practicing social distancing are experiencing a major, and likely disconcerting, change in daily activities and interactions, and with that, are under a great deal of stress. During this period in which our ability to check in on one another in person is limited, it is even more critical that we find ways to reach out and check in with each other virtually, supporting everyone’s social emotional learning (SEL) and mental health. Consider offering explicit online SEL or mental health education lessons or incorporate opportunities to practice SEL competencies within academic subject areas. Using community circles in virtual staff meetings and online classes could offer all adults and students an opportunity to be heard, and to voice their experience and concerns. These circles might also offer insights as to adults or students who might benefit from an additional check-in. Consider offering adults, students, and families tools for coping with the stresses of isolation and anxiety in this difficult time. Clearly communicate to families how and where they can reach out with any concerns including by phone and email.

Technical Assistance Centers

Supporting Young People and Families

Self-Care

Supporting Adults

Online Learning

  • A New Realm: IFSEL’s Tips for Distance Learning - The Institute for Social and Emotional Learning has a number of ideas and practices specifically designed to help teachers navigate online teaching, but can easily help parents encourage SEL with their students. 
  • Taking School Online with a Student-Centered Approach - Facing History and Ourselves provides resources for navigating new technologies and ways of teaching during an immensely challenging and uncertain time in our communities, when students’ (and teachers’ own) social-emotional needs are just as critical as academic goals.

Supporting School Transitions

District Resources

  • CASEL’s District Resource Center - The District Resource Center helps school districts make social and emotional learning (SEL) an integral part of every student's education. Find research, knowledge, and resources curated from school systems across the U.S. to support high-quality, systemic implementation of SEL.
  • The CASEL Guide to Schoolwide Social and Emotional Learning - Schoolwide SEL helps students excel academically, build stronger relationships, and lead happier, healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Additional Resources

Engaging Families of English Language Learners