News

As educators and parents, eLearning appears to be coming from every direction, and we’re trying to keep our wits about us! Nonetheless, we find ourselves getting used to this new reality and ready to tackle initial problems related to remote learning and English learners. 

In our last blog post, we examined the challenges of communication and navigating the digital divide. We also curated a short list of resources we thought to be especially responsive to the needs of ELs. Thank you to everyone who has sent their questions and challenges our way. We see a few themes emerging, and we’d like to address them in this and future blog posts.

The $2 trillion stimulus package signed into law on Friday includes a program that may allow eligible Catholic schools and (arch)dioceses to pay employee salaries and other expenses through forgivable loans of up to $10 million.

These loans could have far-reaching positive impacts for Catholic schools now facing serious financial hardships brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As students gathered last fall to register for classes at Bishop Ready High School in Columbus, Ohio, a backlog started to form for Rocco Fumi.

“Please remember,” said a member of the Bishop Ready staff, “we have a number of people who can help you!”

“Oh, no that’s ok,” one student replied—seemingly speaking for the entire group. “Mr. Fumi is here! We want to talk to him!”

Teachers and administrators are navigating unprecedented challenges as Catholic school communities across America respond to school closures. We’ve heard from many of you concerned that English learners (ELs) and their families are not left behind in the scramble to move to remote learning. In addition to our continued prayers and our profound gratitude for your efforts on behalf of your students and families, we’d like to offer you several ideas to help guide your work. 

Find more information on ACE Teaching Fellows at ace.nd.edu/teach.