Recent spread of COVID-19 has become apparent in the United States as well as globally. With cases in excess of 100,000 as of Friday, March 6th reported by the WHO, many nations have been forced with closures of mass public gatherings and events, which also includes educational institutions.

In this Special Edition, I speak about the recent spread of COVID-19 throughout the United States, emphasizing the potential community spread happening in NY/NJ/PA/and CT. This podcast takes a deep dive into current events of March 2-6th focusing on education, and the precautionary and reactionary measures being taken by K-12 and higher education institutions throughout the tri-state area and beyond. "What should we do?" is the prevalent question being asked by many educators, academic leaders, parents, guardians, and community members, and I discuss my take on this inquiry.

Articles and Resources Discussed in the Podcast:

1. Statement from SxSW: https://www.sxsw.com/2020-event-update/
2. TCNJ Statement: https://instructionaldesign.tcnj.edu/events-2/
3. Chronicle of Higher Education (Andy Thomason): https://www.chronicle.com/article/U-of-Washington-Cancels/248198
4. Yeshiva University Notice of Closing (Chernicoff): https://forward.com/fast-forward/440879/yeshiva-university-covid-19-coronavirus-quarantine/
5. EdWeek (Lieberman): https://tinyurl.com/vhthzb3 
6. Central Bucks School District Notice: https://tinyurl.com/vyho993 
7. State of NJ DOE Memo (March 3rd) Updated 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Childcare and K-12 Schools: https://tinyurl.com/w5jzmux 
8. State of NJ DOE Memo (March 5th) Guidance Regarding Requirements for Public-Health Related School Closure: https://tinyurl.com/sa4pggr 
9. NorthJersey.com Article (Adely & Myers): https://tinyurl.com/qqn5d2v 
10. Mt. Olive Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Robert Zywicki Address to Public: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUihfAE6RQo&feature=youtu.be

*Some of the article links have been condensed due to length*

Resources for LEAs:

1. New Jersey City University, Department of Educational Technology: [email protected]

2. New Jersey Association of School Library Media Specialists (NJASL): https://www.njasl.org/

Questions? Comments? Want to Jump In on the Conversation? Find me on Twitter: @CTRLTaking