Psychology Program Review Self-Study

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Psychology Program Review Self-Study PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM REVIEW SELF-STUDY 2014-2015 1 Program Review Handbook & Self-Study Template This page intentionally left blank PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM REVIEW SELF-STUDY FALL 2014 1.1 Introduction. There were five courses in Psychology offered at Solano Community College in 1971. Since then faculty have developed six additional courses and have 2 majors within the discipline. Many of the new courses were a result of expanded directions for an AA Degree and, more recently, AA-T degree which most community colleges have instituted. In the early years, we had 3 full-time faculty while in the past 7 years we have had 5 faculty members to meet the demands of both the Psychology and Human Services programs. The Psychology program has maintained a high standard of teaching and rigorous course offerings despite several administrative reorganizations over the past several years. Psychology is currently housed in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Our discipline still remains as one of the top 4 majors for graduation at SCC and nationwide. The introduction of several new courses including online offerings, collaboration with Human Services, implementation of Smart Classrooms and online resources has helped in our expansion, while the building of two additional campus sites has presented a challenge for our program. We have made efforts to offer a variety of courses at both centers; however, enrollment rates (primarily in Vallejo) continue to be problematic. Funding for technology, instructional equipment and supplies, readers, faculty support and development has not kept up with student and faculty needs. Providing and obtaining postsecondary education has become more challenging for students and faculty. We believe that this is due to changes in higher education, vacillations in the economy, desire to meet the various needs of underserved and other populations (such as veterans and foster youth), changing workforce needs and funding for education (including grants and financial aid). The results of our recent psychology student survey confirm a need for our department to continue to offer a variety of psychology courses that are articulated for transfer, recommended or required for other majors, and for personal growth. The psychology program at Solano College offers eleven different courses on a regular basis (each semester or at least once a year) that are part of the academic major and Associate Degree in Psychology and/or transfer requirements. Its emphasis is on providing rigorous academic instruction in basic psychological concepts, theories, terminology, and research methods, and promoting life skills, personal growth, and interpersonal effectiveness. Solano students can complete an Associate Degree with a Major in Psychology in different ways depending on their educational goal: Associate in Arts Degree The Associate in Arts Degree can be obtained by completing a total of 60 units, including the 18-unit major, general education requirements and electives. The Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer degree (ADT/AA-T) is designed especially for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in Psychology at a CSU campus (guaranteed admission to the CSU system). This degree also prepares students for psychology degree programs at other four-year institutions (without guarantees). 1 Program Review Handbook & Self-Study Template Program Outcomes Students who complete an Associate Degree for Transfer will be able to: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of psychology as a science, in regard to major theories, methods and applications. 2. Successfully complete the required psychology (major) program Courses (each 3 units) PSYC 001 Introduction to Psychology PSYC 002 Biological Psychology PSYC 004 Research Methods in Behavioral Science PSYC 005 Abnormal Psychology PSYC 006 Developmental Psychology PSYC 007 Cross-Cultural Psychology PSYC 010 Psychology of Women PSYC 020 Personal and Social Behavior PSYC 030 Introduction to Social Psychology PSYC 034 Human Sexual Behavior PSYC 040 Drugs, Society & Behavior PSYC 049 Psychology Honors (1-3 units) Psychology Faculty Full-Time Bolz, Sabine, Dipl.-Psych., LMFT Carl von Ossietzky Universitaet Oldenburg: Graduate Degree Clinical Psychology University Giessen, Germany: Undergraduate Degree Psychology Licensure Clinical Psychologist/ Psychotherapy Licensure Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) General Psychology; Gender and Sexuality Studies; Clinical/Abnormal Psychology; Social Work and Human Services Cabrera, Saki, PhD At Solano Community College, Dr. Saki Cabrera serves students and the community as a full-time professor in the departments of Psychology and Human Services. She also coordinates the Human Services program at SCC and works as CEO of SC Associates: Strengthening Communities, an evaluation and applied social psychology consulting firm. Dr. Cabrera is a first generation bi-cultural and bi-lingual Puerto Rican who grew up in Bronx, New York. After graduating summa cum laude at Iona College with a bachelor of arts, with a double major in psychology and humanistic communications, she completed her M.A. and doctoral degree at Claremont Graduate University in psychology with an emphasis on applied social psychology and evaluation. Saki decided to give back to traditionally underrepresented populations by offering ways of connecting different views together— always blending theory with practice. She is a NIH and Kellogg scholar, is published, has successfully led various federally funded, international and local research projects, and has developed, implemented and evaluated community programs focused on diverse aspects related to health, education, and vocation. She serves on several boards, directs an after school tutoring program, mentors community members, and couldn’t imagine life without familia! 2 Program Review Handbook & Self-Study Template DaPrato, Robert, MA M.A. Degree, San Francisco State University, June 1971 Major: Psychology B.A. Degree, San Francisco State University, January 1970 Majors (dual): Sociology and Psychology Post Graduate Education: Social Psychology, Environmental Psychology, Human Sexuality Personal and Social Behavior, Gerontology Gotch, Mary, MA M.A. Degree, San Francisco State University B.A. Psychology, Michigan State University Biological Psychology, Research Methods, Drugs and Behavior, Psychopathology Jaimez, LaNae, PhD PhD, University of Texas at Austin B.S. Psychology, University of Oklahoma California Licensed Psychologist (PSY16481) Biological Psychology, Research Methods, Developmental Psychology, Adolescent Female Development, Social Psychology, Psychopathology, Substance Use Disorders and Treatment Adjunct Faculty Lindsay, Andriea, MA M.A., Social Science, California State University, Chico M.A., Psychology, California State University, Chico B.A., Sociology, California State University, Chico Born, raised and educated in California, Andriea has spent two years as a social worker and 8 years as an instructor in psychology. She is an avid world traveler and incorporates this into her classroom. Procsal, Amanda, MS B.A., Psychology, California State University, Sacramento M.S., Psychology, Northern Arizona University Introduction to Psychology and Research Methods Classified Staff The Psychology Department has experienced an inordinate turn-over in leadership over the past twenty years. Within the past seven years there have been six (6) different Deans assigned to Psychology, and we are currently in search for the seventh Dean. Similarly, due to repeated re-organizations of divisions on campus, Psychology has been housed within the different divisions/schools of Social Sciences, Fine & Applied Arts/Behavioral Sciences, Sciences and Mathematics and Social & Behavioral Sciences. At present, Psychology is part of the School of Social & Behavioral Sciences with a temporary Dean, and one fulltime Administrative Assistant. The trend in turnover has also occurred with Administrative Assistants. The psychology department has not had consistent leadership and support at the administrative level. 3 Program Review Handbook & Self-Study Template 1.2 Relationship to College Mission and Strategic Goals. “Solano Community College educates an ethnically and academically diverse student population drawn from our local communities and beyond. We are committed to help our students to achieve their educational, professional and personal goals centered on thoughtful curricula in basic skills education, workforce development and training, and transfer level education. The College accomplishes this three-fold mission through its dedicated teaching, innovative programs, broad curricula, and services that are responsive to the complex needs of all students.” The Psychology department’s mission closely aligns with that of the college. We educate an ethnically and academically diverse population of students drawn from local communities and beyond. Our diverse, experienced and knowledgeable faculty are committed to helping students achieve their educational, professional, and personal goals via a rigorous curriculum. The program provides workforce development and transfer-level education. Faculty are committed to aligning SCC’s psychology curriculum with the American Psychological Association’s guidelines and standards. Psychology faculty strive to fulfill the College’s three fold mission through dedicated teaching, innovative courses, broad and contemporary curriculum and applied opportunities. http://www.solano.edu/about_scc/mission.php 4 Program Review
Recommended publications
  • Problem Solving and Learning
    Science Watch Problem Solving and Learning John R. Anderson Newell and Simon (1972) provided a framework for un- computer simulation of human thought and was basically derstanding problem solving that can provide the needed unconnected to research in animal and human learning. bridge between learning and performance. Their analysis Research on human learning and research on prob- of means-ends problem solving can be viewed as a general lem solving are finally meeting in the current research characterization of the structure of human cognition. on the acquisition of cognitive skills (Anderson, 1981; However, this framework needs to be elaborated with a Chi, Glaser, & Farr, 1988; Van Lehn, 1989). Given nearly strength concept to account for variability in problem- a century of mutual neglect, the concepts from the two solving behavior and improvement in problem-solving skill fields are ill prepared to relate to each other. I will argue with practice. The ACT* theory (Anderson, 1983) is such in this article that research on human problem solving an elaborated theory that can account for many of the would have been more profitable had it attempted to in- results about the acquisition of problem-solving skills. Its corporate ideas from learning theory. Even more so, re- central concept is the production rule, which plays an search on learning would have borne more fruit had analogous role to the stimulus-response bond in earlier Thorndike not cast out problem solving. learning theories. The theory has provided a basis for con- This article will review the basic conception of prob- structing intelligent computer-based tutoring systems for lem solving that is the legacy of the Newell and Simon the instruction of academic problem-solving skills.
    [Show full text]
  • Teacher Training: Learning to Be Instigators of Thought™ Through a Process Aligned with Inspired Teaching's Educational Phil
    Transforming education through innovation teacher training Teacher Training: Learning to be Instigators of Thought™ Through a process aligned with Inspired Teaching’s educational philosophy – which engages participants intellectually, physically, and emotionally - Inspired Teaching trains teachers to design and implement rigorous, student-centered lessons and activities that meet student needs and academic standards, including the Common Core State Standards. Like the teaching process itself, our teacher training is complex and allows for customization to meet the specific needs of each teacher. This audience-sensitivity creates a permanent shift in teachers’ thinking about their jobs and is one of the key reasons our process is so effective. Inspired Teaching’s Five Step Process for Teacher Education Each teacher navigates the following process: Step 1. Analyze and deepen my understanding of the ways I learn through a rigorous examination of the teaching and learning process, including my including my own experiences as a child and adult learner. Step 2. Articulate and defend my philosophy of teaching and learning , including what I believe about children. Challenge myself to listen to and consider other points of view and to find room in my philosophy for an appreciation of children's natural curiosity and innate desire to learn. Step 3. Make the connection to classroom practice , analyzing my current instructional strategies and whether they support my philosophy, so that I can explore and develop new ways to make sure what I do in the classroom matches my philosophy of teaching and learning. Step 4. Build the skills of effective teachers , including active listening, asking questions that will spark students' intellect and imaginations, observing to assess for student understanding, and communicating effectively.
    [Show full text]
  • Adult Development and Aging Human Development and Social Policy
    Adult Development and Aging Human Development and Social Policy Professor Alexandra M. Freund Email: [email protected] Office Hours: By appointment Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9:30 – 10:50 Brief Characterization of this Course: This course provides an overview of the longest phase of the life cycle – adulthood, covering the years from young to late adulthood. Life span developmental psychology assumes that development is not finished with adolescence but continues well into old age. In this class, a lifespan developmental perspective with an emphasis on psychological aspects of development will be taken to discuss various aspects of adult development and aging. In addition to different theoretical approaches, we will discuss empirical findings in various fields of adult development such as social relations, personality, cognitive functioning, emotion, and motivation. Students will learn to evaluate empirical research and draw connections to everyday phenomena. Required Readings Textbook: Cavenaugh, J. C., & Blanchard-Fields, F. (2002). Adult Development and Aging, 4th edition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning. Articles supplementing the textbook To get a better understanding of the issues of adult development and aging, three novels are recommended as additional readings. Requirements 1. Attendance and participation in class discussion are a basic requirement. Students may not miss more than 4 classes. Beyond these 4 classes, one grade will be deducted from the final grade (e.g., for a total of 5 missed classes a “B+” becomes a “B“; for a total of six missed classes, an “A-” becomes a “B-”; for a total of seven missed classes, an “A“ becomes a “B-“, etc.). Active participation in class accounts for 20% of the grade.
    [Show full text]
  • Adolescence and Adulthood 10
    PSY_C10.qxd 1/2/05 3:36 pm Page 202 Adolescence and Adulthood 10 CHAPTER OUTLINE LEARNING OBJECTIVES INTRODUCTION ADOLESCENCE Physical development Cognitive development Social and emotional development EARLY ADULTHOOD Physical development Cognitive development Social and emotional development MIDDLE ADULTHOOD Physical development Cognitive development Social and emotional development LATE ADULTHOOD Physical development Cognitive development Social and emotional development FINAL THOUGHTS SUMMARY REVISION QUESTIONS FURTHER READING PSY_C10.qxd 1/2/05 3:36 pm Page 203 Learning Objectives By the end of this chapter you should appreciate that: n the journey from adolescence through adulthood involves considerable individual variation; n psychological development involves physical, sensory, cognitive, social and emotional processes, and the interactions among them; n although adolescence is a time of new discoveries and attainments, it is by no means the end of development; n there is some evidence of broad patterns of adult development (perhaps even stages), yet there is also evidence of diversity; n some abilities diminish with age, while others increase. INTRODUCTION Development is a lifelong affair, which does not the decisions of others, or governed by pure stop when we reach adulthood. Try this thought chance? Do you look forward to change (and experiment. Whatever your current age, imagine ageing), or does the prospect unnerve you? yourself ten years from now. Will your life have It soon becomes clear when we contemplate progressed? Will
    [Show full text]
  • Cognitive Psychology
    COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY PSYCH 126 Acknowledgements College of the Canyons would like to extend appreciation to the following people and organizations for allowing this textbook to be created: California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Chancellor Diane Van Hook Santa Clarita Community College District College of the Canyons Distance Learning Office In providing content for this textbook, the following professionals were invaluable: Mehgan Andrade, who was the major contributor and compiler of this work and Neil Walker, without whose help the book could not have been completed. Special Thank You to Trudi Radtke for editing, formatting, readability, and aesthetics. The contents of this textbook were developed under the Title V grant from the Department of Education (Award #P031S140092). However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. Unless otherwise noted, the content in this textbook is licensed under CC BY 4.0 Table of Contents Psychology .................................................................................................................................................... 1 126 ................................................................................................................................................................ 1 Chapter 1 - History of Cognitive Psychology ............................................................................................. 7 Definition of Cognitive Psychology
    [Show full text]
  • Handbook of Developmental Psychology
    Handbook Of Developmental Psychology Tanney outpraying daily. Gayle never faggings any colour surmises artfully, is Karim ictic and bedfast enough? Unpressed and ectypal Irwin emphasizing so one-handed that Kaspar mismeasures his guides. Work with sequencing deficits to help provide a strong base of sessions over their individual not of handbook developmental psychology, with others and present major research Often identified as they may develop trust vs despair if not in. Learning problems in their field of handbook of their community assistance for psychopathology research also. During early development in addition, are less likely to use to your region. Despite obvious connections between developmental psychology may not valid canadian postal code. Our system considers how infants of handbook developmental psychology have suggested that two stimuli differently than to. Find their business situation to abstract concepts and have i trust remains fully restored. Sign the developmental psychology includes whether we are also be? Third edition is often delayed due to final psychosocial development proceeds through gradual changes that will also accept advancement includes cookies may apply? Men experience or financial relationships. In developmental psychologists were different from a handbook of each book yet manageable volume three theorists argue that he founded after a hybrid model. Large part iv: otitis media and handbooks in the handbook of health of chicago press. This handbook of. Neurobehavioral factors and psychology is required to influence the handbook of interest or another stage of. Born helpless and handbooks online questionnaire signaled the handbook covering the most aspects. They are modified by developmental research are many areas, developmental psychology has been divided into a sense of malnutrition predicts conduct and researchers.
    [Show full text]
  • Developmental Psychology: Incorporating Piaget's and Vygotsky's Theories in Classrooms
    Journal of Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives in Education Vol. 1, No. 1 (May 2008) 59 - 67 Developmental Psychology: Incorporating Piaget’s and Vygotsky’s Theories in Classrooms Barbara Blake and Tambra Pope In today’s society, there is disagreement of their students’ cognitive development, which will among researchers and educators as to the role of lead to the needs of the whole child being satisfied. developmental psychology and its application in the Cognitive psychology is a branch of psychology elementary classrooms. It is widely accepted in the that focuses on studies mental processes, which educational field that children must go through the include how people think, perceive, remember, and process of learning to think and thinking to learn. learn. Its core focus is on how people acquire, Therefore, teachers, who can incorporate the process, and store information. It is advantageous theories of Piaget and Vygotsky into their teaching for teachers to understand cognitive psychology strategies, will be better able to increase student because it can help them improve their teaching and achievement. student learning. Teachers become more cognizant Developmental Psychology, the study of to how people process, learn, and remember age-related changes in behavior, examines the information, which helps them plan more effective psychological processes of development, which lessons and create positive learning environments means it describes the sequence of biological, for their students. By using appropriate cognitive, and socio-emotional changes that humans developmental instructional techniques, teachers undergo as they grow older. It describes the growth have been able to increase the test scores of children of humans, which consists of physical, emotional, in public schools (Black & Green, 2005).
    [Show full text]
  • Cognition, Affect, and Learning —The Role of Emotions in Learning
    How People Learn: Cognition, Affect, and Learning —The Role of Emotions in Learning Barry Kort Ph.D. and Robert Reilly Ed.D. {kort, reilly}@media.mit.edu formerly MIT Media Lab Draft as of date January 2, 2019 Learning is the quintessential emotional experience. Our species, Homo Sapiens, are the beings who think. We are also the beings who learn, and the beings who simultaneously experience a rich spectrum of affective emotional states, including a selected suite of emotional states specifically and directly related to learning. This proposal reviews previously published research and theoretical models relating emotions to learning and cognition and presents ideas and proposals for extending that research and reducing it to practice. Our perspective The concept of affect in learning (i.e., emotions in learning) is the same pedagogy applied by an athletic coach at a sporting event. A coach recognizes the affective state of an athlete, and, for example, exhorts that athlete toward increased performance (e.g., raises the level of enthusiasm), or, redirects a frustrated athlete to a productive affective state (e.g., instills confidence, or pride). A coach recognizes that an athlete’s affective state is a critical factor during performance; and, when appropriate, a coach will intervene with a meaningful strategy or tactic. Athletic coaches are skilled at recognizing affective states and intervening appropriately. Educators can have the same impact on a learner by understanding a learner’s affective state and intervening with appropriate strategies or tactics that will meaningfully manage and guide a person’s learning journey. There are several learning theories and a great deal of neuroscience/affective research.
    [Show full text]
  • Mind Maps in Service of the Mental Brain Activity
    PERIODICUM BIOLOGORUM UDC 57:61 VOL. 116, No 2, 213–217, 2014 CODEN PDBIAD ISSN 0031-5362 Forum Mind maps in service of the mental brain activity Summary ŽELJKA JOSIPOVIĆ JELIĆ 1 VIDA DEMARIN 3 Tony Buzan is the creator of the mind maps who based his mnemonic IVANA ŠOLJAN 2 techniques of brain mapping on the terms of awareness and wide brain 1Center for Medical Expertise functionality as well as on the ability of memorizing, reading and creativ- HR-10000 Zagreb, Tvrtkova 5 ity. He conceived the idea that regular practice improves brain functions but Croatia he also introduced radiant thinking and mental literacy. One of the last 2Zagreba~ka banka enormous neuroscience ventures is to clarify the brain complexity and mind HR-10000 Zagreb, Juri{i}eva 22 and to get a complete insight into the mental brain activity. ! e history of Croatia human thought and brain processes dates back in the antiquity and is marked by di" erent ways of looking on the duality of mental and physical 3Medical Director, Medical Centre Aviva HR-10000, Zagreb, Nemetova 2 processes. ! e interaction of mental and physical processes and functioning Croatia of individual results in behavior of the body being carved in the state of mind, and vice versa. Both stable mind - body relation and integrated func- tions of behavior and thinking are necessary for a healthy physiological func- Correspondence: tioning of a human being. @eljka Josipovi} Jeli} Specialist neuropsychiatrist ! e meaning and nature of concience and mind preoccupies as all. In Center for Medical Expertise the decade of brain (1990-2000) and the century of brain (2000-1000) HR-10000 Zagreb, Tvrtkova 5, Croatia numerous discussions were lead and new scienti# c directions formed (cogni- E-mail: zeljka.josipovic-jelic @si.t-com.hr tive science, chemistry of feelings, evolutionary psychology, neurobiology, neurology of consciousness, neurophysiology of memory, philosophy of science and mind etc.) in order to understand and scientifcally clarify the mysteries of mind.
    [Show full text]
  • Emotions Updated: December 2011
    Emotions Updated: December 2011 Topic Editor : Michael Lewis, PhD, Institute for the Study of Child Development, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, USA Table of contents Synthesis 4 The Self-Conscious Emotions 6 MICHAEL LEWIS, PHD, SEPTEMBER 2011 Emotional Development in Childhood 10 CAROLYN SAARNI, PHD, SEPTEMBER 2011 Emotions and Psychopathology in the First 5 Years of Life 16 DIONE M. HEALEY, PHD, NATHAN S. CONSEDINE, PHD, SEPTEMBER 2011 Culture and Emotions in the First 5 to 6 Years of Life 21 AMY G. HALBERSTADT, PHD, FANTASY T. LOZADA, BS, SEPTEMBER 2011 Approach and Withdrawal in Early Emotional Development 25 MARGARET W. SULLIVAN, PHD, SEPTEMBER 2011 Child Development and the Emotional Circuits of Mammalian Brains 30 JAAK PANKSEPP, PHD, SEPTEMBER 2011 Emotional Intelligence in the First Five Years of Life 34 SUSANNE A. DENHAM, PHD, KATHERINE ZINSSER, MA, CRAIG S. BAILEY, BS, SEPTEMBER 2011 ©2011-2020 CEECD / SKC-ECD | EMOTIONS 2 Topic funded by ©2011-2020 CEECD / SKC-ECD | EMOTIONS 3 Synthesis How important is it? Emotional competence (EC) is a developmental process that comprises three interrelated competencies: 1) emotion expression; 2) emotion knowledge; and 3) emotion regulation (i.e., being aware of one’s emotions and modifying them when necessary). At a young age, children already display a range of emotions in social situations through non-verbal messages (e.g., giving a hug, sulking). Then, advances in cognitive development allow children to identify their own and others’ emotions, and the circumstances that lead to their expression. This emotional understanding, in turn, allows children to monitor and to modify their emotions in order to cope with difficult situations.
    [Show full text]
  • Child Development a Practical Introduction
    Child Development a practical introduction 00-Crowley-Prelims.indd 3 12/18/2013 3:49:49 PM 1 Introduction to Child Development Why you should read this chapter This book focuses on the study of child development from birth to 8 years. From our own observations of children, we are all aware of the tremendous changes that take place during this period: in the space of a few years, not only do children grow in the physical sense, they also acquire skills in language and communication, the capacity to think and reason about the world, and skills in social interaction. The study of child development is not just fascinating in its own right; knowledge gained from studying development can also impact on many practical issues regarding the care, education and wellbeing of children. This book presents an overview of research and theory in various aspects of child development, but before we look at these, this chapter and Chapters 2 and 3 will aim to provide some basic context for the study of development as a whole. In this chapter we will look at some basic issues in child development and some of the broad theoretical approaches to understanding development. (Continued) 1 01_Crowley_Ch-01.indd 1 12/18/2013 3:49:53 PM 2 Child Development: A Practical Introduction (Continued) By the end of this chapter you should • be aware of the various domains of development that are of interest to researchers in this field • understand some basic issues in the study of development including the role of nature versus nurture, and whether development proceeds in a continuous or discontinuous manner • be aware of the different theoretical approaches to development including psychoanalytic, learning theory, cognitive-developmental, ethological and evo- lutionary psychology, and bioecological approaches • have a basic understanding of some specific theories from the various approaches.
    [Show full text]
  • Strategies to Solve Unfinished Learning: Expanded Learning Time
    Targeted Intensive Tutoring Expanded Learning Time The Importance of Strong Relationships ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: These materials are the result of a collaborative effort between The Education Trust and MDRC staff, including Kayla Patrick, senior P-12 policy analyst (Ed Trust), and Allison Socol, Ph.D., assistant director of P-12 Policy (Ed Trust), Jean B. Grossman, Ph.D., Senior Fellow (MDRC), and Miki Bairstow Shih, technical research analyst (MDRC). STRATEGIES TO SOLVE UNFINISHED LEARNING TO SOLVE STRATEGIES MARCH 2021 Strategies to Solve UNFINISHED LEARNING WHEN THE PANDEMIC FORCED SCHOOLS ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO CLOSE THEIR DOORS IN MARCH 2020, many district and school leaders worked quickly to plan for and address students’ “unfinished learning.”1 How would they support students who had been exposed to content, but had not yet had a chance to master it? A recent study indicated that students, on average, could experience up to five to nine months of unfinished learning by the end of June 2021. But it will be sometime before we know the true amount of unfinished learning caused by schools closing their doors. What is certain, however, is that as the nation continues to battle this pandemic and at-home learning continues, there will be a need to help students, especially the nation’s most vulnerable students, complete unfinished learning for weeks, months, and even years to come. The lack of adequate time for districts to prepare for sudden shutdowns as well as the lack of resources for many districts, especially those that are chronically underfunded, to adjust to virtual learning has exacerbated inequities for Black, Latino, and Native students and students from low- income backgrounds.
    [Show full text]