Endeavor Schools
Endeavor Schools is a leading education management company with a family of unique, well-established private schools across the US. Each school provides a proven, research-based curricula that is delivered by experienced educators. Committed to providing children with a high-quality education, Endeavor Schools is currently offering learning lab programs for students in several states.
This blog post is courtesy of Endeavor Schools, a leading education management company with a family of unique, well-established private schools across the US. Each school provides a proven, research-based curricula that is delivered by experienced educators. Committed to providing children with a high-quality education, Endeavor Schools is currently offering learning lab programs for students in several states.
Many public schools around the country are not taking place onsite this fall, leaving parents in a bind: How will they provide their child with a safe environment conducive for remote learning if they need to work, run errands, and take care of other necessary responsibilities throughout the day?
A “learning lab,” also known as a “learning pod” or “classroom pod,” is a new solution in which students enrolled in remote learning programs through their public school spend the day at an open school, which is usually a privately-run facility with professional teachers and school amenities, such as outdoor recreation areas and learning materials. Learning labs also provide the chance for socialization – under social distance guidelines – so that children can meet new friends and enjoy a positive school experience while their regular schools are closed.
How does a learning lab work?
Many school districts are rolling out remote learning programs for their students because their campuses are closed for the fall semester. These students will be expected to continue their studies at home via computer. In a learning lab, they have a place they can come to every day where they can do their schoolwork via computer in a classroom with supplementary teacher instruction and other benefits of being in school.
The day mirrors a regular school day. Children get ready, pack their school materials, including their laptop, and go to their host school to begin their learning lab.
Students will be part of a class that is limited in size to maintain social distancing in the classroom and do their remote learning program online.
Throughout the day, students have breaks, recess and physical exercise, socialization, and some schools offer extracurricular activities and STEM learning, as well.
Students will also receive in-person assistance from instructors to help with schoolwork. Typical remote learning programs do not have teachers online for the duration of the school day and students must do the majority of their work by themselves. At a learning lab, students will have in-person instructors to help them with their work and explain concepts. Learning labs essentially recreate a school experience for children as they do their remote learning program
Is a learning lab safe?
Since the beginning of the pandemic in the United States, essential workers have needed childcare for their children. Many private schools and their dedicated staff provided this essential service to children of employees of hospitals, transportation services, grocery stores, and other essential workers. Because they were relied upon to stay open, these schools have implemented strict safety protocols, including thorough health screenings of all students and staff members; high-quality ventilation; social distancing guidelines enforced with care by experienced staff members; and much more to keep children safe.
These protocols have now been an everyday reality for several months now, which means the schools now have polished and well-organized systems to follow the protocols. For students entering these schools now, they will be under the care of people who are some of the most experienced at maintaining a safe atmosphere for children under the new safety requirements.
How much does a learning lab cost?
Learning labs are typically less expensive than “learning pods,” in which parents pool together a small group for private tutoring. Costs for learning pods average $50-$100 per hour. With a learning lab, families pay a flat rate per month – usually around $900 and under – and may not be obligated to enter a long-term contract.
What are some educational benefits of a learning lab?
According to a recent survey in EdWeek, 4 out of 5 teachers said they believe their students have had trouble focusing on schoolwork while learning at home. This is understandable since there are so many distractions at one’s home. If it can be a challenge for adults, it’s an even greater challenge for children.
Learning labs are designed to minimize distractions, allow students to learn from educators on-hand to help, and share in the learning experience with other students.
Preparing for when schools reopen
According to the NWEA, a non-profit academic research organization, students of all ages are projected to fall behind due to Covid-related closures. To help combat learning loss, it’s important to maintain academic progress. It’s also helpful to maintain a consistent schedule and behavioral norms appropriate for a school environment.
A learning lab is one way to help keep children in “school mode” but you need to find what works for your family.
