THE BAYLOR DIFFERENCE
CLASSES 2020-21
this is WHAT LEADERSHIP LOOKS LIKE When Chattanooga faced an overwhelming need for COVID-19 testing, two Baylor faculty members stepped up to the challenge. Dr. Elizabeth Forrester and Dr. Dawn Richards volunteered their expertise and the school’s advanced science facilities for rapid turnaround testing. When the contract with Hamilton County ended in June 2020, they had tested more than 15,000 samples. Their lab is now testing samples taken at Baylor’s Health Center, making Baylor the only school in the region with the ability to provide a crucial health and safety service through turnaround testing for students and employees.
A teacher’s perspective on the Distance Learning Experience at Baylor. When Baylor shifted to distance learning in March 2020, faculty member Neil Hetrick witnessed the changes students faced in every facet of the school. As a Middle School German teacher and Upper School dorm parent, Hetrick had just days to transfer his curriculum online while assisting almost 40 boarders on their moves out of Lupton Hall. After helping boarders return home and creating his new curriculum, he found that students from all grade levels faced different challenges. Some students whose parents
worked in the healthcare industry moved in with friends as a precaution while others needed time to recover from the jetlag that accompanies a 50-hour trip home. Despite the difficulties, Hetrick acknowledged that Baylor’s commitment to community made the process manageable for all. “It wasn’t just about grades. It was checking in on how our students were doing, asking if they were getting outside, making sure they were doing something they enjoyed every day.”
middle school, upper school, day students, boarders. Social distancing. Hybrid learning. Distance learning.
There’s no one type of Baylor student, and there are more ways than one to teach and learn at Baylor. This was never more apparent than in the spring of 2020 when schools around the world began adjusting to online classes – and when we re-opened for fall 2020.
Baylor opened in the fall able to operate classes on campus and in-person.
We have plans in place for students and faculty who are not able to be on campus.
Being back together has provided opportunities for us to grow and learn as a community in new ways. Because Baylor already offers a significant number of small classes, we are able to utilize the largest classroom spaces to allow for appropriate distance. As a result, a very small number of our students attend satellite classes in which the students and the teacher join from several locations simultaneously. Content for all classes is enriching with live experiences, activities, and interactions happening daily.
Our academic planning accommodates international students who will not be able to attend in person at the start of school in August, and for individuals who are asked to quarantine during the school year because of a positive COVID-19 test.
Hybrid Learning occurs when the students and the teacher join class from several locations simultaneously. Content for all classes is accessible and navigable online, but interactions also happen in classrooms. If necessary, students are also able to join from another classroom on campus or from a remote location off campus. Likewise, the teacher may instruct from the physical classroom or, if necessary, from a remote location.
DISTANCE LEARNING refers to the scenario that occurred in schools and campuses across the country in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In distance learning, Baylor teachers communicate all assignments and distribute all course materials through myBaylor as they normally do. Teachers conduct synchronous classes using a live video platform according to an all-school distance learning schedule. Teachers also support their classes through various online learning tools and applications as appropriate to the course and its learning goals.
Delivering quality classroom and community experiences. While we hope there will not be a situation when the school is forced into hybrid or distance learning on a large scale, we are prepared to switch on short notice. Regardless of the scenario, our goals will always be delivering the high-quality academics that Baylor is known for, creating a close community experience, and ensuring the greatest health and safety of all the members of our community.
My teacher was great about communicating with me and other students. She offered clear instruction assigning work and showing expectations.
I asked questions directly several times by text or email and got immediate responses from my teacher every time. ~ Baylor student
~ Baylor student
Baylor faculty, staff, and students rose to the challenge and took distance learning to a higher level than I could have imagined. The sense of community that exists at Baylor became even more evident during this time as everyone wanted to pull together to make sure distance learning was a success. My child was engaged and continued learning during this time without question, and organizational skills and self-discipline were further developed. I am confident my daughter will continue to receive a great education if distance learning is once again necessary. ~ sixth grade parent
Transitioning to distance learning in March 2020, we felt like the entire Baylor community was engaged and energetic about making the best out of a difficult situation. A routine schedule was established and teachers were present and available to teach students and connect with each one. Our child was often involved in online discussions both in groups and individually. We felt the concern and care from the greater Baylor community.
I liked the aspect that most students went to office hours so it’s basically a one-on-one conversation. ~ Baylor student
~ Baylor BOARDING PARENT
My teachers were very understanding and always available when I needed help. ~ Baylor student
I am so thankful for the way the Baylor faculty handled the transition to distance learning. My child’s advisor was in touch and very present throughout the entire process. She consistently checked on the students, communicated with parents and made a tremendous effort to keep the group connected. ~ eighth grade parent
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#LEADLIKEBAYLOR 171 Baylor School Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405 | t: 423.267.5902 | admission@baylorschool.org | baylorschool.org Baylor School admits students of any race, sex, color, religion, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Baylor does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid programs, athletic programs, and other school-administered programs.