Perspectives for education systems

Around the world, 1.5 billion school children are out of school, putting pressure on school systems, educators, and families to implement remote-learning programs. In this webinar, McKinsey experts discuss what schools should focus on when building remote- or online-learning programs and how different school systems are currently managing the crisis. Their insights include:

• Don’t wait until everything is perfect to launch remote learning. Education systems can get remote-learning environment up and running in just few weeks by establishing a clear vision, forming an agile team with a variety of skills, aligning system leadership and local and national government with the vision, and assessing current infrastructure available and filling the gaps.
• Focus planning across four categories. Education leaders should consider the health and well-being of the students and their families, the instructional enterprise, the experience of faculty and non-instructional staff, and operations and finances.
• Prevent learning loss and design for equity. To minimize learning disruption, school systems should be prepared to adopt lessons for learners who have little to no internet access. There will also likely be a wide range in economic status and familial support among learners, which can create inequity.
• Train faculty and regularly measure and monitor progress. Systems can support school leads and educators as well as families and caregivers by managing their expectations during this transition. Organizations should also regularly give surveys to students, faculty, and parents to determine which approaches are working.