Strategies to Address Pandemic’s Impact on Student Learning Focus of State Superintendent’s “Pathways to Recovery” Event

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond invites all California educators to join a special live professional development session hosted by the California Department of Education (CDE) on Thursday—an event designed to explore proven strategies for addressing learning gaps that have widened during the COVID-19 crisis and innovative ways schools can accelerate students’ academic growth as communities recover from the pandemic.

Already, roughly 1,500 educators have registered for the “Pathways to Recovery” virtual event, scheduled for Thursday, January 21, at 4 p.m. Educators, parents, and community members can still register in advance [Note: the preceding link is no longer active] or watch the webinar on the CDE Facebook page .

“There is no question that many underserved students were already starting at a disadvantage when our schools made the shift to remote learning, and this prolonged public health crisis has only worsened those inequities,” Thurmond said. “Our educators have been nothing short of heroic this school year—finding more and more creative ways to engage students amid incredible challenges—and I am proud to continue offering the tools and resources they’re seeking as we work together to help students triumph moving forward.”

The “Pathways to Recovery” webinar will feature researchers and practitioners presenting evidence-based strategies to help students accelerate learning within a distance-learning environment. CDE Chief Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction Stephanie Gregson, Ed. D, will facilitate the event. Featured speakers include:

• Linda Darling-Hammond, renowned education researcher and President of the California State Board of Education, will present research on how to reinvent schools and which strategies have a beneficial impact on student learning.
• Anaheim Union High School District Superintendent Michael Matsuda will talk about tutoring/mentoring programs.
• Alisal Union School District Superintendent Jim Koenig and Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Monica Anzo will discuss whole school/district interventions.
• Oakland Unified School District Afterschool Programs Coordinator Martha Pena will discuss an expanded learning program.

A comprehensive listing of all past CDE webinars related to COVID-19, including those supporting students and distance learning, can be found on the CDE website.

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Tony Thurmond — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5602, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100