What’s inside: In this episode, we chat with Michael Cormack, Chief of Staff at Jackson Public Schools in Jackson, Mississippi about their shift to remote learning and the work they are doing to ensure equity in the district. Jackson Public Schools is the second largest district in Mississippi and the only urban district in the state.

Here are some take aways on their great start to remote learning in their district:

• Jackson Public Schools’ Learning At Home Resource Page

• JPS passed out out printed instructional packets at hot lunch locations for families without tech access and used this time to offer phone-based office hours with teachers.

• JPS sent out surveys in both print and online formats to ensure all parents can respond if they are without tech access

• JPS leaders worked with Jackson city leaders to boost internet speed all over the city to ensure all learners had high-speed internet

• JPS supported teachers with standards, systems, and structures for delivering online learning

• JPS utilized local cable TV stations to broadcast early learning lessons including literacy, math, and science related content, which can then be published to YouTube for wider distribution through the district.

• JPS is actively working to make sure they rethink how to support students in special education and those in need of emotional and behavioral supports during this time. The work is ongoing and evolving.

“The process is not going to be perfect, but you just have to take the step forward and start.” -Dr. Cormack, Chief of Staff, Jackson Public Schools

A Note From The Glean Editorial Team - This special series of our Ed Leaders Podcast features school districts who are taking steps to successfully guide their district into these new, uncharted waters of online learning to help others do the same. We hope you enjoy!