Pods in Action: Southern Nevada Urban Micro Academy. A Microschool Offered Personalized Learning for Students, Support for Educators--and a Glimpse into Gaps in Policy

ABSTRACT

In response to concerns about the children of first responders needing a safe, supervised place to learn in the midst of COVID-19 school closures, the City of North Las Vegas funded education nonprofit Nevada Action to set up a microschool. Students left the school district to learn at the microschool, which received from the city facilities, funding for personnel, support from city employees, and marketing support. The microschool created small, personalized learning environments for children in grades 1-6, with a curriculum that provides individualized support and a focus on creating strong relationships with parents and families (grades 7-8 were added in 2021). It was open to all North Las Vegas residents and children of first responders--healthcare workers, police, and firefighters--throughout the greater Las Vegas Valley (which includes areas outside of North Las Vegas). This report offers a glimpse into the Southern Nevada Urban Micro Academy (SNUMA). This program presented a unique example of how local governments can use technology to create new learning options outside of local school districts that meet the needs of their communities.