WOSU Public Media Participates in Statewide Initiative to Accelerate Learning
COLUMBUS, OH – April 5, 2022 – WOSU Public Media will be working with local summer and afterschool programs throughout Central Ohio to address disruptions to learning caused during the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to a partnership between Ohio’s eight PBS stations and the Ohio Department of Education.
Called “Ohio Learns 360,” this new initiative will provide educational programs with PBS resources, including standards-based curriculum and materials, virtual field trips, interactive video programs, community events and more, all designed to accelerate student learning and support the state’s most vulnerable learners.
“Ohio’s PBS stations have been wonderful partners in prioritizing additional education opportunities to support Ohio’s students since the beginning of the pandemic,” Interim Superintendent of Public Instruction Stephanie Siddens said. “The Ohio Learns 360 initiative will give families an additional pathway to support student learning beyond the school day.”
Ohio Learns 360, which targets kindergarten through fifth-grade students from underserved communities, kicks off this April and will continue through September of 2024. The Ohio Department of Education will provide $5 million in funding through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), first authorized by Congress in 2020.
“Ohio’s public media stations have a long and successful track record of collaboration,” said Amy Palermo, chief content director, WOSU Classroom. “WOSU is proud to be part of this opportunity to work together statewide to provide fun and impactful learning opportunities for children, childcare providers and families.”
Students in out-of-school-time programs will be able to engage in hands-on STEM activities with some of their favorite characters, such as Cat in the Hat, or go on a virtual field trip to one of Ohio’s leading science museums. Students at home will also be able to participate in virtual afterschool programs that feature a well-known PBS KDIS character. Parents can learn how to support their child’s learning through Parent Power webinars, and families will be able to attend station-hosted community events. The project is being led by Public Media Connect in Dayton and Cincinnati.
About WOSU Classroom
WOSU Classroom, a part of WOSU Public Media, offers a wide variety of in-person and online professional learning opportunities suitable for educators of all grade levels and subject areas. Courses are offered for educators wishing to extend their knowledge and experience with technology integration. Learn more at wosu.org/classroom.
About WOSU Public Media
The mission of WOSU Public Media is to engage, inform and inspire our diverse community. An NPR and PBS affiliate licensed by The Ohio State University, WOSU is a noncommercial multimedia organization serving over two million citizens in Central Ohio through broadcast, digital, programming, public engagement and education experiences. Learn more at wosu.org.
Contact:
Amy Tillinghast
Senior Director, Marketing & Communications
1800 N. Pearl Street | Columbus, OH 43201
amy.tillinghast@wosu.org | 614-688-2166