Loudoun’s education news

Since last March when COVID-19  first brought schooling in Loudoun to a full stop, the community has wrestled with continuum of learning, child care, food insecurity, mental health, access to technology, and many more significant issues—not to mention a few more marginal ones (e.g., “Can we go into the school and clean out my kid’s locker?”). 

In this monthly column by contributor Laura Longley, the Blue Ridge Leader will flag topics behind the headlines and provide dependable sources to keep you in the know. (Caveat: Please double-check all information that relates to dates and policies.)

Concurrent learning could be in your child’s future. What is it?

Does your teen have a friend who attends Riverside High School in Leesburg? If so, it’s possible you’ve heard something about “concurrent learning”?

In mid-November, several middle and high schools each welcomed six or seven volunteer teachers and 50 some students for a one-hour pilot in concurrent—also known as Hy-Flex—learning. By dividing the students into two groups—one for on-site learning, the other for remote—the exercise served as a test for possible implementation in all schools in the second semester.

“The trial was a chance for teachers to dip their toe in so they can teach other teachers the concurrent approach,’ said Doug Anderson. Riverside principal. “I hope it builds excitement, like getting ready for the first day of school.”

You can learn about concurrent teaching here: https://vimeo.com/477658803.

“Back-to-School” dates keep changing? Who is making these decisions and how? 

In November, the Loudoun County Public School Board voted to establish metrics to monitor COVID-19 levels and guide decisions on whether to implement 100 percent distance learning, expand the hybrid option, or move to an all in-class program.

Staff recommended the monitoring metrics after consulting with the Loudoun County and Virginia health departments as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

The two main measurements are 1) incidence rate and 2) positivity rate. In Loudoun, incidence rate is when new cases per 100,000 persons within the last 14 days reach more than 200. Positivity rate is the number of new cases of a disease divided by the number of persons at risk. 

An important note: Nothing in the Loudoun County School Board metrics motion precludes the superintendent from implementing 100 percent distance learning as is appropriate, i.e., should COVID-19 transmission occur within particular classes, a school, or schools. For the latest data, updated daily, you can check the district’s core indicator on the LCPS web page at https://lcps.org/Page/234565#CaseData. 

Are we going to get better internet connections for remote learning any time soon?

Segra, one of the largest independent fiber network companies in the Eastern U.S., was just chosen by Loudoun County Public Schools in early November to deploy network services throughout the school system. After a four-month search evaluating five firms, LCPS chose Segra’s wide area network (WAN) solution for the connectivity, reliability, security, and performance that the district needs to support online learning, virtual classrooms, and the County’s expected population growth.

The Charlotte, NC-based firm will supply the school district with connectivity between several network hub sites to more than 100 LCPS facilities and data centers. The wide area network also provides diverse fiber routes for redundant connectivity to ensure continuity of operations in the event of a natural disaster or other catastrophic events.

“We’re delighted to work with Loudoun County Public Schools to provide enhanced fiber-based connectivity solutions, particularly at a time when we know how critical connectivity and security is for online learning and virtual classrooms,” said Segra CEO Tim Biltz. “The wide area network deployment will serve the schools and the region well into the future by providing the reliability, scalability and performance needed for a modern, state-of-the-art learning environment.”

“With Segra’s network services deployed, we’ve already seen a marked improvement in our speed, performance, and reliability,” said Vince Scheivert, LCPS assistant superintendent of digital innovation.