Silver Spring, Md. (Tuesday, April 21, 2020) – To aid school systems implementing remote learning initiatives resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, Discovery Education and the National Afterschool Association launched the Virtual Learning Response Fund.
The Virtual Learning Response Fund enlists the private sector’s support in delivering the sustained, ongoing professional learning educators need to successfully transition to virtual instruction. This initiative helps ensure equity of access to research-based strategies and methods needed to foster students’ academic growth amidst the challenges of school closures by:
– empowering teachers with the skills required to effectively transition their instructional practice to meet the demands of the new educational environment, and
– deploying a network of professional trainers to walk with districts through the virtual learning journey.
The National Afterschool Association is partnering with Discovery Education to provide students equitable access to high quality instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about the Virtual Learning Response Fund here.
“In these turbulent times, it is incumbent on education stakeholders in the private and public sectors to come together,” said Gina Warner, President & CEO, National AfterSchool Association. “The Virtual Learning Response Fund developed in partnership with Discovery Education provides an avenue for corporate and foundation investment in our nation’s teachers, supporting their important work to create the dynamic learning environments our students deserve.”
“Providing students the instruction they need to be successful while learning virtually has been my goal, and the goal of my school, since the first day of this crisis” said Ana Hale, iTeach Educational Technology Specialist, Fulton County Schools. “But for many of my colleagues, teaching students in a virtual environment is a brand–new experience. The support of the Virtual Learning Response Fund will be critical in helping us meet this goal now and in the future.”
“A critical ingredient in any school system’s transition to virtual learning is sustained, research-based professional learning for teachers,” said Karen M. Beerer, Ed.D. Senior Vice President for Teaching & Learning at Discovery Education. “We’re proud to collaborate with the NAA and our partners in the private sector to support school systems in their critical work to empower teachers as they transition to our shared ‘new reality.’”
The Virtual Learning Response Fund complements Discovery Education’s comprehensive response to educators supporting the continuity of learning during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Right now, Discovery Education is offering schools and school systems not currently using the company’s digital services free access to Discovery Education Experience. Schools accepting this offer will have access to Discovery Education’s dynamic K-12 learning platform, including DE Coding, and its ready-to-use digital lesson plans, activities, and standards-aligned resources through the remainder of the school year. In addition, Discovery Education is offering a suite of no cost resources for parents and caregivers called Daily DE that can be used at home. For more information, visit Discovery Education’s comprehensive Virtual Learning resource website dedicated to helping educators adapt their instruction to meet today’s needs.
For more information about Discovery Education’s digital resources and professional learning services, visit www.DiscoveryEducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Facebook, follow us on Twitter at @DiscoveryEd, or find us on Instagram and Pinterest.
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About the National Afterschool Association
The NAA is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to foster development, provide education, and encourage advocacy for the out-of-school community. Members include afterschool program directors, coordinators, sponsors, front-line staff, school leaders, teachers, paraprofessionals, board of education members, non-profit leaders, advocates, community leaders, policymakers, researchers and more.
About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-aligned digital curriculum resources, engaging content, and professional learning for K-12 classrooms. Through its award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia resources, and the largest professional learning network of its kind, Discovery Education is transforming teaching and learning, creating immersive STEM experiences, and improving academic achievement around the globe. Discovery Education currently serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 140 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Discovery, Inc., Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and like-minded organizations to empower teachers with customized solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at DiscoveryEducation.com.
Contacts
Grace Maliska, Discovery Education, gmaliska@discoveryed.com