The word “shift” conjures up a few different ideas in my mind. I think of the “shift schools” in Jamaica that operate on two different half-day schedules to accommodate more students. I now work in a school system that has year round schools that are designed for a similar purpose. This idea of shift can also describe a recurring period of time in which different groups of workers complete the same job in a relay type manner. The word also makes me think of my insistence to learn to drive a vehicle with a stick shift (manual transmission) when I signed up to go to driving school many years ago. Then there’s the Shift key that will produce a capital letter or some other character when typing. I chuckle at the fact that in the world of virtual teaching, even that little detail has to be deliberately taught. Among the dictionary definitions for the word shift is “a slight change in position, direction or tendency”. (SOURCE: Oxford English Dictionary) That’s the shift I will be focusing on this week.
I remember that among the murals on one of the buildings of my primary school in Jamaica is The Ministry of Education's slogan, “Every child can learn, every child must learn”. This back to school time continues to be a period of reflection and planning for me. For some reason, this slogan surfaced in my mind and I welcomed the thoughts and ideas that accompanied it. My school district has started the year remotely; and teaching in this way comes with its challenges. This is the year that educators, parents, caregivers, and students must shift. There is a shift in the learning environment and the manner in which instruction is provided. There is a shift in the types of educational resources that are predominantly being used in remote learning. There is a shift in the way in which collaboration takes place between members of professional learning teams/communities, students and teachers, parents and teachers, and among students. The 4Cs of education (communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking) are now magnified and constantly at play within these dynamic interactions. I typically ask parents to give me the first six weeks of school (at a minimum) to get to know their children academically and socially before expecting a conference with me. Naturally, there were a few exceptions in cases of intense behavioral challenges or high need for academic accommodations. This year, however, my position shifted significantly and I feel the need to encourage dialogue with each family within the first couple weeks of school. The uncertainty and uncharted waters that we are currently wading through create the need for more social emotional support for all of us. Establishing a sense of teamwork between parents and teachers and being united in purpose is especially critical this year.
Now, I can pretty much guess that you would agree that the shifts previously mentioned make sense in light of current conditions. Correct? Let’s dig a little deeper. What would you say to the idea that there must be an even greater shift that parents, teachers, and caregivers must make this year? It is one that could be made at any time, but the sooner the better. For teachers, during your period of study before entering the classroom would be ideal. Parents, when your children are infants (or even in utero) would be a prime time for this shift. This shift has to take place on the inside.
Now, I can pretty much guess that you would agree that the shifts previously mentioned make sense in light of current conditions. Correct? Let’s dig a little deeper. What would you say to the idea that there must be an even greater shift that parents, teachers, and caregivers must make this year? It is one that could be made at any time, but the sooner the better. For teachers, during your period of study before entering the classroom would be ideal. Parents, when your children are infants (or even in utero) would be a prime time for this shift. This shift has to take place on the inside.