Do you Remember?
Do you remember how you felt just before you started school for the first time? Your five or six-year-old self was probably jumping up and down with the anticipated excitement. How long did it take for that excited, inspired, and enthusiastic you to realize that school often fell woefully short of your expectations?
We know many students have had similar experiences – before the Pandemic. The content of our concerns now about our children’s schooling has dramatically pivoted since March. We fear for our children’s mental health and how quickly they may be losing academic ground.
You’re not alone.
The Impact of Schooling During COVID-19
In an article published on the WTOP recently, it highlights a survey of American parents. According to the poll performed by Nationwide Children’s Hospital, two-thirds of parents are worried about the Pandemic impacting their children’s mental health. Parents who participated also cited they were running out of ways to help keep kids positive (57% of those surveyed).
According to an article written on KNKX news outlet website published December 1st, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal acknowledged that distance learning is not working for many kids, half of whom in the State are almost exclusively learning remotely.
As parents, we don’t need to be told what we have been experiencing with our children. We have first-hand knowledge of the struggles with the shift in how education is delivered. Despite our best effort as parents, we struggle to balance our children’s learning, well-being, and our own.
There are no easy answers – for any of us – parents and educators alike.
About Market Square Education
Market Square Education (MSE) was founded by a parent, a veteran educator, and a man with a learning disability. Bob Hagin understands and has worn all the hats. Many years before the Pandemic struck, he saw students who were not thriving in traditional education models. So, twelve years ago, he started Northwest Liberty School that became Market Square Education two years ago.
MSE is a Washington State private school owned and operated by Washington State teachers, administrators, and parents. Our staff has worked in school districts across the State; our children have been educated in our school districts. We strive to complement public education by offering resources and options when the system cannot respond to the need. Building a collaborative, friendlier, and effective educational system is our passion.
We know that now, more than ever before, a personalized approach to learning is paramount. Some students thrive autonomously with the professionally built online curriculum that Market Square offers. Others need academic support. Everyone needs more connection, more community that honors the individual journey we are each on.
We offer publicly funded Alternative Learning Program opportunities for students in grades kindergarten through twelfth grade. Students who participate in our program benefit from a curriculum designed intentionally and carefully for online learning, not classroom content turned into video calls and homework. We support academic growth through personalized learning plans, access to teachers, and staff through Microsoft Teams, and weekly meetings to ensure learning and tackle any barriers.
Market Square Education is an Office of the Superintendent for Public Instruction (OSPI) approved online provider and nationally accredited. Parents receive weekly reports and are provided Observer access to all their students’ courses to monitor real-time learning. We have year-round, open enrollment, so students can join any time. MSE partners with school districts across the State to provide the Alternative Learning Program, which makes credits taken with MSE transferrable.
Founded on the principle of removing barriers to learning, we work hand-in-hand with parents, counselors, teachers, and administrators to provide flexible and adaptive solutions to meet each student’s needs. We offer initial credit, credit recovery courses, secondary summer school, AP, or honors, depending on student grade level.
How Market Square Education is Working to Support the Whole Student
As educators, we know there can be many barriers to education. For some, it’s as necessary as needing food; for others, a place to live. Some require a modified and flexible academic plan to accommodate physical challenges and support mental health. Some students don’t face the struggle of basic needs or the overwhelming battle with mental health, but face feeling disengaged because they don’t have a way to tap into their passion and enthusiasm for learning.
We believe in meeting each student where they are. Students who experience wrap-around support, a learning plan created just for them, and choice in their education develop ownership. Ownership leads to internal motivation, setting them on the path to lifelong learning.
It is our intention that nothing stands in the way of student learning. We want students to be supported holistically, to be engaged. Just maybe, even amid a pandemic, students can experience, as we once did, a little joy and excitement for learning.