NEWS

Statement from Executive Director of Gradient Learning Regarding Potential Impact of Coronavirus on Schools

Educators and districts across the country are facing uncertainty as they consider plans to keep their students safe, while preserving top-tier teaching and learning, amid concerns surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As our partners navigate this challenging time, we are here to support them as they make decisions to best serve their students and communities. We know this is a priority for them at this time, and it is a priority for us as well.

As a first step to alleviate concerns about travel and prioritize the well-being and peace of mind of our partners, we announced earlier this week that we will be hosting our 2020 Spring Regional Convening as a virtual training. While we remain committed to hosting in-person professional development trainings in the future, this is an opportunity for us to come together virtually to support students despite the current challenges. Our team is working diligently to ensure that this virtual training is highly engaging, grounded in the science of adult learning, and directly relevant to supporting educators as they finish the school year strong. 

Additionally, we are carefully monitoring the impact of the Coronavirus and are making plans to support our partner schools to ensure they have the tools and resources necessary to continue teaching if regular classroom activities are disrupted. Educators in the Summit Learning community leverage technology on a daily basis to drive meaningful learning and build strong relationships with students. This technology is also an advantage outside of the classroom, where teachers can continue to utilize it to drive students towards success. Early next week, we will share additional guidance and options for schools to continue teaching in the event of a temporary closure.   

We are confident in the power of educators to rally together to support students, even under the most challenging circumstances. During this time of uncertainty, we are here for all of our partners as they look for ways to support student learning beyond the walls of the classroom.

Thank you,

Andrew Goldin
Executive Director
Gradient Learning

About the author

Andrew Goldin
Andrew Goldin is the Executive Director of Gradient Learning. In this role, he leads support for schools implementing the Summit Learning program across the country. He started his career teaching middle school science in the Bronx, New York as a Teach for America corps member. After, he joined YES Prep Public Schools in Houston, Texas as the principal of two YES campuses and later a manager of school leaders. Andrew joined Summit Public Schools as Chief of Schools in 2015, and became Chief Program Officer for Summit Learning in 2018. He holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania, an MSEd from Bank Street College of Education, and an MBA from the Harvard Business School.