Learning during COVID-19: United Community Center
Learning continues at UCC charter schools, complete with art projects, science experiments, and strings recitals
By: Isral DeBruin
As schools shift to serve students remotely during the COVID-19 crisis, some are emerging as standouts. These schools aren’t stopping at basic worksheet packets and instead are offering their students coordinated, school-wide, comprehensive distance learning. City Forward Collective is highlighting these schools to spread best practices and encourage others to keep students moving forward.
United Community Center schools were among the first in the city to begin offering distance learning. Now four weeks in, daily student attendance ranges from 85–92% and signature programs like the Latino Arts Strings Program are continuing online.
UCC educators began teaching students virtually on March 19, using tools like Google Classroom, Freckle, and Class Dojo — within two days after school buildings were closed by order of Gov. Tony Evers. In just the first two days of virtual learning, students in grades 3–5 completed 12,557 math problems and 2,424 word study sessions.
The school’s spring break took place the following week, providing an opportunity for teachers and administrators to reflect on their early virtual education efforts, and finalize additional plans for serving students and families.
Now, educators and students have found a rhythm. Each day begins at 9 a.m., when teachers share and update with students and set expectations and learning goals for the day and week ahead. From there, each day’s activities are customized to students’ ages, and vary by teacher. Instruction includes video readings and lectures, as well as interactive online activities, and independent assignments. By 5 p.m., students must complete all required responses to their teachers and turn in the day’s assignments. Students’ responses to this 5 p.m. deadline are used to track attendance.
Students and their parents are being provided the full range of usual school resources, supports, and opportunities: Teachers and administrators hold regular office hours to answer questions and interact with students and parents. Guidance counselors share resources and mental health tips with students and parents. Counselors also check in with any families in need of extra assistance. Students in the Latino Arts Strings Program continue their lessons virtually and perform “recitals” for family in their homes, as well as virtually for other family and friends.
All UCC students in grades 2–8 have school-issued Chromebooks, which families picked up along with books and other learning materials for younger children during several initial time slots just after schools were closed.
The online Class Dojo platform is the central hub for communication and interaction among students, parents, and teachers. Teachers post assignments, families share pictures from home, and students turn in completed assignments. All can chat and reply to one another’s posts. All students and nearly 1,900 parents have set up profiles on Class Dojo. This platform also allows UCC to share general updates and health information with families, especially Spanish-language resources and news about COVID-19.
UCC also continues to serve the 251 families registered for its Head Start program. Family Advocate staff call each family daily, or as-requested by the family. These staff members verify that the family understands the day’s school work and the suggested at-home activities. They also work with parents to address personal matters, like providing diapers and wipes, helping to navigate unemployment paperwork, and ensuring continued access to food.
Even during a time of social distancing, United Community Center and its schools have continued living the organization’s name, serving as a hub that brings together and serves the residents of Milwaukee’s near South Side.
FACTS & FIGURES
United Community Center operates two public charter schools authorized by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, as well as an Early Learning Academy for children ages 0–3.
Bruce-Guadalupe Community School
- Grades: K4–8
- Enrollment: 1,363 students
- Student demographics: 95.9% Latin@; 3.5% White; 0.3% Black; 0.2% Two or More Races; 0.1% Asian
- Students from economically disadvantaged households: 64%
- Students with special needs: 7.2%
- Students with limited English proficiency: 23.1%
- State rating: Exceeds Expectations
Acosta Middle School
- Grades: 6–8
- Enrollment: 178 students
- Student demographics: 94.9% Latin@; 2.8% Black; 2.2% White
- Students from economically disadvantaged households: 46.1%
- Students with special needs: 9%
- Students with limited English proficiency: 24.2%
- State rating: Exceeds Expectations
2019–20 data from https://wisedash.dpi.wi.gov/
Isral DeBruin is director of strategy and communication at City Forward Collective. He is a former elementary school teacher and award-winning education reporter.
