Distance Learning Response Initiative The Distance Learning Response Initiative establishes a place for the private sector to invest in supporting distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond--delivering critical resources and targeted teacher training at the school level to ensure student instructional needs are met, no matter the setting.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. View Videos Latest News Join Us About the Initiative The COVID-19 outbreak has forced widespread school closures across the United States, shuttering traditional learning environments and creating long-term risk for student achievement. To address the need voiced by educators working to adjust to this new paradigm, Discovery Education has partnered with the National Afterschool Association to launch the Distance Learning Response Initiative. Your investment will provide professional development support to educators that enables the successful transition to both distance learning and blended learning environments and enhances teachers’ ability to deliver instruction to meet today’s needs. Bolstering these foundational skills in teachers will support student success now and equip educators with tools to manage what comes ahead. Help Provide Teachers the Support They Need to Stabilize Learning for all Students. Join Us Need THE STATE OF K-12 EDUCATION DURING COVID-19 COVID-19 has forced school closures in almost all of U.S. Schools, resulting in close to 50 million students experiencing disruption in their learning, which can have lasting, detrimental impact. In most instances, educators are thrust into teaching environments that lack the tools, delivery methods, content, supports and peer networks necessary for success. Response HIGH QUALITY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Research-based instructional support for teachers is critical to the intentional adaptation of practice necessary for successful transitions to teaching in remote learning environments. Further, teachers need structured and monitored peer-to-peer communities to strengthen skills, exchange ideas, and received real-time feedback. Result STUDENT LEARNING Empowered and confident teachers establish high-quality continuous distance learning, minimizing disruption and fostering student engagement necessary for continued achievement. Recent Updates COVID-19 How Corporations and Community Organizations Amplify Happiness Through Emotional Learning July 16, 2020 Stress is a biological reaction that negatively impacts social relations, grades, mental health, and has long-lasting impacts. Read More COVID-19 Virtual Convening: Supporting Schools Amidst the Coronavirus Shutdown May 20, 2020 With over 500 participants from all corners of the business community, the discussion explored the impact of COVID-19 upon the education system. Read More Latest News COVID-19 School & Industry News and Conversations DESERET NEWS In our opinion: Teachers are the irreplaceable ingredient for success during the pandemic WCMU Public Radio A Few Schools Reopen, But Remote Learning Could Go On For Years In U.S. Professional Development The Distance Learning Response Initiative establishes a place for companies and foundations to join this systemic approach by providing targeted training at the school level to ensure student instructional needs are met. The Initiative will support high-need communities to deepen the quality of teacher-to-student instruction, develop the skills teachers are required to learn rapidly, provide lesson planning support, and establish and deploy a network of professional trainers to walk with teachers through this journey. Teachers will receive: Small and large group level virtual training to all or a subset of teachers within a school (ex. Whole schools, special education teachers, or by subject-matter or grade level, etc.) Flexible, individualized instructional support in a 1:1 or 1:4-5 format to address specific student or instructional needs Teachers’ Stories Compelling testimonials from our teachers Close Modal Compelling testimonials from our teachers! Helping Schools Foster Learning During COVID-19 Key education and corporate leaders discuss support for schools building long-term learning solutions. Close Modal Learn More Download the Program Summary Join Us Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. How Discovery Education is Helping In response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Discovery Education has made a large-scale commitment to K-12 schools and teachers across the globe by providing access to comprehensive, free tools and foundational support for teachers, parents, and caregivers who are rapidly adjusting to meet student need through the end of this school year and beyond. In addition, Discovery Education is offering a suite of no-cost resources for parents and caregivers to use at-home, called Daily DE. Literacy Going Digital Teacher Leadership Leading Change Learn More ~90% of educators surveyed agree that Discovery Education makes teaching and learning easier for them and their students in a remote learning environment. March 18, 2020 Partner The NAA is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to foster development, provide education, and encourage advocacy for the out-of-school-time community. Members include afterschool program directors, coordinators, sponsors, front-line staff, school leaders, principals, teachers, paraprofessionals, board of education members, non-profit leaders, advocates, community leaders, policymakers, researchers, and more.