In October 2020, as a return to in-person instruction seemed unlikely due to COVID-19, the Mountain View Whisman School District began to address a gap left by the shift to distance learning for the students who were most in need of in-person supports.

The district partnered with its after-school childcare providers, the YMCA of Silicon Valley and Right At School, to create Learning Support Pods, which were officially rolled out on Nov. 30, 2020.

The district identified a group of students who would most benefit from the program: those who were struggling with attendance or participation, and those part of a disadvantaged subgroup, including socioeconomically disadvantaged students, English language learners, and students with Individualized Education Programs or 504 Plans.

These families were invited to participate in the district-funded program, which offers in-person, structured assistance with distance learning during the school day at several MVWSD schools.

The Learning Support Pods provide support with distance learning, technology, time management and engaging activities in a safe environment for students. Strict COVID precautions are followed as the health of participating caregivers and students is the priority. While existing inequalities in education have been exacerbated by the pandemic, this program helps to mitigate some of the concerns — at least in the short-term — until in-person instruction resumes.

Currently, approximately 120 students attend the Learning Support Pods, and will be able to continue until the district can safely transition back into normal, in-person instruction.

“We are proud to be able to offer this opportunity to the kids and families who have been disproportionately impacted by distance learning,” said Geoffrey Chang, director of Federal, State, and Strategic Programs with MVWSD.