Flexible Learning Model for 2020-21

July 27, 2020 School Board Meeting

Three Learning Scenarios

State instructed districts to prepare for three scenarios due to uncertainty about public health conditions related to COVID-19:

1. All in-person learning for all students;2. A hybrid of distance learning and some in-person learning with

strict social distancing and capacity limits, or 3. All distance learning for all students.

State will decide which scenario on Thursday, July 30; whichever is selected, districts must still provide daily meals and child care for essential workers if not attending school in person

A Summer of Research and PlanningGuidance from state departments of education and health

Surveys of students, parents and staff in June and July● Majority indicated desire for in-person as much as possible● Recently, hearing more concerns about returning to school

Weekly meetings of Pandemic Planning Team and Cabinet● Summer meals, in-person CE activities, technology and supplies

Design Team meetings to develop the flexible learning model● Pandemic Team, Cabinet, DCUE, administrators and ops staff

Focus groups to get feedback on draft Flexible Learning Model

Priorities Used to Develop the Model

Protect health and safety of students, staff and visitors

Provide as much time in school as possible● Elementary and center-based students every day, if possible● Middle and high school students at least two days per week

Limit disruption to smallest number of students/families as possible

Improve distance learning and prepare all students to learn remotely

Provide a full-time distance learning option for students at all grades

DRAFT Flexible Learning Model

Information is tentative; represents current thinking of the design team

Does NOT address all questions people may have

Details to be determined● Calendar ● Curriculum● In-person school times● Space● Transportation● Scheduling● Other

Scenario 1: All In-Person Learning

All students in school every day and implement the following practices:● Stagger arrival/dismissal, class and lunch times● Social distancing when possible, but may not be in classrooms● Avoid large gatherings and congregating before or after school● Clean and disinfect at least daily or more often depending on use● Wear face coverings (expected for staff, students and visitors)● Stress frequent hand-washing and good hygiene habits● Provide hand sanitizer at entrances, cafeterias and other areas

Scenario 2: Hybrid Learning

All health and safety practices for all in-person learning would be implemented (staggered times, frequent cleaning, face coverings, etc.)

Classrooms set up to provide social distancing

Learning in school focused on experiences best provided in person

Implement improvements to distance learning

Elementary and secondary would have different number of days in person

Scenario 2: Hybrid Learning for Elementary

All students in school every school day, if possible.

Classes of approximately 20 students. Due to resulting shortage of space from smaller class sizes and social distancing:

● PreK-grade 4 and all center-based special education students would attend their elementary school

● Grade 5 students may attend a district middle or high school (TBD) with other fifth-grade classes from their school

iPad will be provided to all K-3 students, regardless of scenario selected

Scenario 2: Hybrid Learning for Secondary

Every student in school 2 days per week

Middle school and high school students split into three groups: ● Group 1: Attend school in person Mondays and Thursdays● Group 2: Attend school in person Tuesdays and Fridays ● Group 3: Center-based special education students in-person 4 days

Wednesdays are distance learning for all students (except center-based)● Time for interventions, enrichment and planning for instruction

Scenario 3: Distance Learning for All Students

All students learn remotely and implement the following improvements:

● Consistent use of Seesaw and Schoology learning platforms ● More daily structure and synchronous learning on video ● Best practices and “must do/may do” activities● Increase student capacity for managed independent learning● Narrowed curriculum with consistent scope, sequence and pace● Similar class routines/practices for distance and in-person learning● Resources for parents to support their child’s learning

Full-time distance learning is an option for families regardless of scenario

Focus Group Feedback

Schools held focus groups with students, parents and staff

Appreciated thought put into plan and shared the following themes:

● All in-person learning -- best educational opportunities, but many questions/concerns about safety and feasibility

● Hybrid learning -- too many students per class, concern about safety, students in same room all day and fifth graders in secondary schools

● Distance learning -- excited about improvements, but concerned about loss of learning, relationships, connectedness and equity

Change to Elementary Hybrid Model

Elementary students in school 2 days per week, same as secondary

Change is based on feedback from focus groups

Some students would be at school more days per week for instruction and intervention

Finalizing details this week

Next Steps

Communicate governors decision with our community

Families opt-in for full-time distance learning (through winter break)● Form on district website; deadline to register is August 14

Finalize operational details (calendar, times, transportation, staffing, etc.)

Present additional details to School Board August 10

Implement model and communicate with families and staff

Questions?