Will students participating in At-Home Learning receive live, teacher-led instruction for the full length of a school day?
Students will be provided flexibility to participate in online classes with teacher interaction and engagement. A student’s schedule may reflect short periods of synchronous learning scheduled throughout the day followed by time for independent, asynchronous learning activities. It should also include breaks and lunch. The schedule will vary by grade, course, or student. A caregiver will need to be available to support younger students in navigating the daily schedule and providing assistance with the learning as needed. During At-Home Learning, time management will be critical to student success. Students, teachers, and parents should utilize frequent communication regarding daily schedules and assignments to ensure that students are progressing towards mastery of the learning outcomes.
How will At-Home Learning be different from the instruction provided during the school closure last spring?
Students who select At-Home Learning will be required to virtually attend and participate in class daily and specified instruction will be led by a teacher. In the spring of last year, students’ assignments were provided at a reduced amount of instructional minutes as compared to a traditional school day. At-Home Learning this year will be a full course load of instruction and assignments that are comparable to what students who are attending school in-person will be required to complete. Teachers delivering At-Home instruction will receive additional training and support in best practices that are effective in a remote, online environment.
How will teachers address any potential learning needs from the school closure last spring?
To support all students, the district curriculum will highlight academic standards that teachers will consider as they plan to address the potential learning impacts resulting from the school closure. Teachers will use formative assessments and supplemental resources to personalize student learning to address areas of need.
Will there be attendance requirements for At-Home students?
Yes, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) will require daily attendance and participation in At-Home Learning. Students will be required to participate in online classes daily and traditional attendance rules will be enforced. A student will be considered absent if the student does not participate in instruction at any time during the day.
What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous learning?
Synchronous learning is learning in which two or more individuals are engaging in learning at the same time (for example, a live teacher-led lesson using a videoconference tool). Asynchronous learning occurs at different times, without real-time interaction students learn from instruction that is not being delivered live.
What online learning management system will be used to support elementary students in At-Home Learning?
The benefit of an online learning management system is to streamline all digital tools and content for a more connected learning experience for students. The district has identified Schoology as the learning management system for elementary students across the district. Schoology helps organize assignments, boosts collaboration, and fosters communication. Resources will be available for parents to learn how to support students in navigating learning through these digital tools.
What online learning management system will be used to support secondary students in At-Home Learning?
The benefit of an online learning management system is to streamline all digital tools and content for a more connected learning experience for students. Secondary students in grades 7-12 will utilize either the learning management system Schoology or Edgenuity. Resources will also be available for parents to learn how to support students in navigating learning through these digital tools.