PUBLIC TELEVISION BECOMES AN EDUCATION LIFELINE FOR NY STUDENTS
In homes across New York State, children are trying to stay connected to their schools and keep up with their schoolwork while their parents try to navigate economic uncertainty and work from home setups that are less than ideal. Meanwhile, teachers are furiously working to adapt to a new way of teaching. Their main source of connectivity is the Internet – through Zoom, email and Google Meet. But many students lack Internet, or a computer that is available while parents work from home. And they are being left behind.
This is why PBS stations across the state have once again stepped in to bridge the gap in learning.
Public broadcasting stations have preempted their regular daytime programming and filmed new content to create “Learn at Home” television. Students from Pre K to 12th Grade can find learning opportunities with PBS’ trusted educational content and attend a “class” with a teacher teaching on their television.
Working with local school districts, teachers, and the NYS Education Department, public television has ensured that this programming is aligned with state standards and local curriculum. PBS stations also have a vast catalogue of the best educational programming and documentaries on television, so students can tune in to learn about science, New York history, and more.
Families with young children can still rely on PBS KIDS for early learning, social emotional development, and special “storytime” shows. Elementary and high school students can now find appropriate programming during the school day aligned with state standards and local curriculum.
WCNY’s “TV Classroom” features teachers from Central New York teaching math, science, history, social studies, heath and wellness, art, and more. These classes are being broadcast across the state every weekday and will continue until schools have reopened.
Last week, The WNET Group in partnership with the New York City Department of Education premiered a new show featuring lessons for children in 3K through second grade. Let’s Learn NYC! is hosted by DOE instructional leaders and coaches with expertise in teaching young learners.
Teachers, parents, and students are also relying on us for engaging content and enrichment resources through our online platform PBS LearningMedia. PBS LearningMedia provides thousands of digital resources for teachers to use in their classrooms–virtual or in person–from trusted PBS shows like Nature, Nova, PBS Newshour, American Experience, Great Performances, and Ken Burns. Many include support materials in Spanish.
We are proud to be here for educators and families during these difficult times, and to know that New Yorkers are relying on public broadcasting now more than ever.
New York’s public television system is a family of nine stations that serve their local communities. Each station has created special web pages with information about their educational programming, online resources, and more:
- WNED – Buffalo
- WXXI – Rochester
- WCNY – Syracuse
- WSKG – Binghamton
- WPBS – Watertown
- Mountain Lake PBS – Plattsburgh
- WMHT – Albany/Troy
- THIRTEEN – New York City
- WLIW – Long Island
As New York state starts the process of rebuilding after this devastating time, your local PBS stations will be here, ready to support families and teachers with trusted education resources as well as programming that entertains, inspires, and distracts us from the everyday challenges we face.
Neal Shapiro President & CEO The WNET Group
