With schools across Indiana closed in response to the COVID-19 virus, IPBS member television stations, including WTIU, and the Indiana Department of Education (DOE) have partnered to offer at-home learning experiences for students in grades K-12 that align with Indiana curriculum standards.
The eight IPBS television stations have published programming schedules and corresponding curriculum resource materials focusing on math, science, social studies, literacy, and other subjects. The curriculum resources from PBS LearningMedia are a free online service of thousands of educational tools. Television program schedules have been augmented with information about grade-level appropriateness, subject area focus, and learning objectives.
“Our goal was to package easy to use materials that combined the best of PBS educational TV programming and learning resources. We knew it would need to be accessible for a broad range of learners across Indiana, from the youngest child to the graduating senior. We also knew it needed to include easy-to-use parent guidance and coaching for teachers,” said Mark Newman, executive director of IPBS. “Our stations reach virtually every family in the state, including those who don’t have internet access or computers at home.”
The PBS LearningMedia resources were developed with the input of educators. They are contextualized for educational use and align with Indiana curriculum standards. The resources include grab-and-go activities, lesson plans, interactive lessons, and media that illustrate specific topics or themes and support materials across subjects.
“Providing our students with access to high-quality and evidence-based materials is critical during this extended time of out-of-school learning,” said Indiana State Superintendent Dr. Jennifer McCormick. “I am grateful for IPBS and their local television affiliates for partnering with us to create engaging educational experiences for Indiana’s children.”
With offerings such as the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel, the WORLD Channel, and programs such as NOVA and Into the Outdoors, IPBS member stations are committed to ensuring that their educational programming and resources are widely accessible to students in Indiana. For more information and access to PBS LearningMedia, please visit its website. To view current schedules for grade level and subject programming, as well as correlating materials, please visit the Indiana Department of Education website.
About Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations (IPBS)
IPBS represents nine NPR and eight PBS member stations, including WFIU and WTIU, working collectively to deliver free and accessible programming and educational services over the air, online, and in classrooms. Stations are located in Bloomington, Elkhart, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Merrillville, Muncie, South Bend, Vincennes, and West Lafayette. Visit the IPBS website for more information.