AGE ANIMO

committed to academic excellence

ACADEMIC RECOVERY AND ENHANCEMENT

In March 2020, the Government of Jamaica closed all primary and secondary schools as part of the measures implemented to control the spread of the COVID – 19 virus. In an effort to mitigate the challenges presented by the pandemic, the staff decided unanimously to have a Simulation Exercise during the period September 14th through to 30th 2020. The objectives of this exercise were:

  1. to ascertain the total number of students who would be able to actively participate in online activities.
  2. to identify other possible challenges and to put measures in place to combat the challenges identified.
  3. to offer psychosocial intervention by our Guidance Department.

All teachers were fully compliant, and we were able to reach approximately 75-85 percent of our students during the entire two year period. Those who were not reached were contacted by the office and in most instances, parents reached out to be included. At the end of the academic year, we were able to reach approximately 98% of student population.

Now, two years later, we are left to address the learning loss that has taken place as a result of the COVID-19 virus. As a school we have tried earnestly, complied with all Ministry of Education directives and initiated remedial work throughout the academic year to ensure that our students benefited academically as they would have done if we were offering face to face instruction. This intervention is aligned to the Ministry of Education, Youth & Information’s National Learning and Intervention Programme “Recover Smarter” and is referred to locally at the school level as “Academic Recovery and Enhancement” (A.R.E).

HOW WILL WE ACHIEVE THIS?

  1. Assess learning loss through in-depth diagnostic assessments
  2. Use data gathered from assessments to create plans of action for remedial instruction by developing individual intervention plans (IIP) and group intervention plans (GIP).
  3. Develop and follow a creative classroom management plan
  4. Focus on what the student can do rather than what they cannot do and build on their strengths.
  5. Include praise and encouragement as part of the students’ learning experience.
  6. Have rich and meaningful co-curricular activities for our students
  7. Provide students with tasks that are within their capacity.
  8. Utilize the content area reading approach to help students cope with their literacy challenges

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