I had so many plans for the work I was going to be able to accomplish while working from home. The projects, the file clean-up, the planning for future presentation, and the list goes on. My learning would be enhanced by all the professional development courses I completed and my newly learned technology skills would allow me to complete work more efficiently. A great plan!

I quickly learned I had to be nimble. COVID-19 has thrown our world upside down and great made plans have needed adjusting, revising, implementing, and revising again. How does one be nimble during a pandemic and what does it mean to be nimble? Miriam Webster (2020) defines nimble as

“marked by quick, alert, clever conception,…. Comprehension….or resourcefulness”

I was not the only person (or agency) that identified the need for nimbleness as an emerging skill. In re-opening school guidelines, the American Academy of Pediatrics writes:

“School policies must be flexible and nimble in responding to new information, and administrators must be willing to refine approaches when specific policies are not working” (2020)

In an interview with Superintendent Deena Bishops from Alaska, she stated,

“There is no one perfect answer of how to do school next year…A good plan is a nimble plan, especially in these times. We must be nimble and flexible.” (KTUU, 2020)

Additionally, Colorado called its re-opening plan

“Nimble, Flexible Instructional Options” (CO, 2020).

School districts all over the USA and world are planning for the re-opening of schools. Students, families, and communities are stressed and concerned. It is imperative that all involved are aware of the need to be nimble. Plans will change and/or adjustments will be needed and school staff will need to practice being nimble in order to keep all healthy and safe. Students, staff, and communities will need to give those in charge grace, as no can predict or anticipate what changes will be needed to the plan or when.

Resources:

American Academy of Pediatrics (2020) COVID-19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-entry. Retrieved from https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/clinical-guidance/covid-19-planning-considerations-return-to-in-person-education-in-schools/

Colorado Department of Education (2020) Nimble, Flexible Instructional Options. Retrieved from  https://www.cde.state.co.us/planning20-21/instructionaloptions

KTUU (2020) ASD lays out plans to reopen for the new school year. Retrieved from  https://www.ktuu.com/content/news/Anchorage-School-District-lays-out-plans-for-coming-school-year-571697391.html

Merriam-Webster Dictionary (2020) Retrieved from https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-e&q=merriam+webster+dictionary