Conversations About Education: Returning from COVID

This four-part public affairs series concludes with a look at schools returning from COVID.

From Blue Sky Project, in association with WXXI, Conversations About Education presents discussions with individuals intimately involved with setting the direction for education in the modern age — from the Chancellor of the Board of Regents to students, parents and educators from around the state. Hosted by Hélène Biandudi Hofer, Conversations About Education airs Fridays through October 2, 2020 at 8:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

The series engages the community in positive conversations about putting the needs of children first – to spotlight pathways to progress, motivate understanding, showcase new voices and viewpoints, and inspire hope.

Part 4, Returning from COVID airs Friday, October 2. To say that COVID has turned the world of education upside down is an understatement. Helene speaks with a pair of RCSD students who have been working through this difficult time. We then move to the Mineola School District, which has been recognized nationally for embracing computer and digital learning for many years. This approach put them in a much better position to cope with the sudden demands of COVID as we learn from Superintendent Mike Nagler, the board chair, a teacher, student and parent.

The panel discussion that follows focuses on the realities, challenges and opportunities that this moment in time presents. The panel includes: Regents Chancellor Betty Rosa, Regent Wade Norwood, Distinguished Educator Jaime Aquino, Superintendent Lesli Myers-Small, and Superintendent Terry Dade.

Conversations About Education is supported with funding from Rochester Area Community Foundation, ESL Foundation, the Max and Marion Farash Charitable Foundation and Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation.

An Emmy Award-winning not for profit film and media production company based in Rochester, NY, Blue Sky Project supports social justice initiatives that encourage all people to explore and discover the joys and challenges of living in a free and open society. Blue Sky creates and distributes original film, video, print and other media that are intended to inform, educate and inspire. Blue Sky projects are intended for broad distribution through a wide range of venues that may include (but not limited to) classrooms, television broadcast, film screenings, and internet; as well as community-based settings such as museums, libraries and individual interest groups.