ABINGDON-AVON #276
REMOTE LEARNING PLAN
Fall 2020
This student document was created to provide a guide to Remote 2.0 for parents and students. Remote teaching and instruction is effective when both the teacher and student are engaged and involved. Remote 2.0 will look very different when compared to the emergency remote learning from the spring. In order to ensure the best possible education for your student(s) during the COVID-19 pandemic, the key factors will be interaction and communication between parents, students, and teachers.
School Responsibilities
Implement remote learning plans
Communicate regularly with all stakeholders
Support teachers in planning and implementing remote learning plans
Help families find needed resources in the community (academic, health, social)
Teacher Responsibilities
Be prepared to deliver online instruction starting day one of the 2020-2021 school year
Share information with students and parents about communication including:
○ School email address
○ How to engage in online availability hours with the teacher
○ How to access the teacher’s Digital Learning Platform
○ How to access the primary resources and programs used in the classroom
○ Attendance expectations
○ Expectations of Learning
○ Grading Guidelines
Be connected to students on a regular basis
Be compassionate about student situations
Provide timely feedback on student work
Be flexible with due dates, and demonstration of learning
Provide engaging and meaningful learning opportunities for all learners
Student Responsibilities
Attend school every day: Students should complete the Google Attendance Form in their Google Classroom each day by 9:00 p.m.
Review and complete your assigned work in Google Classroom each day
View all lesson related videos
Self-advocate. Ask your teacher questions during their office hours when you need help or don't understand
Attend as many video sessions as possible.
Be respectful to yourself, teachers and peers and use good digital citizenship practices during Zoom or Google Meets
Maintain academic integrity by producing work that is their own
Take ownership and be responsible for their learning
Parent/Caregiver/ Family Responsibilities
Talk to your student about the work assigned and feedback from the teacher
Reserve a space for students to complete remote learning work
Set sensible time limits for technology use
Contact the teacher with questions or for assistance
Help students establish and follow regular daily routines
Help reinforce that in the absence of in-person learning, the mode of online learning is a bonafide method of instruction and will be treated as such. Parents will encourage and expect their students to attend classes daily.
Contact the school for assistance if your student is struggling with remote learning in any way or if it is perceived that they are struggling socially or emotionally.
Contact the school if your student is ill and not able to participate in remote learning for the school day.
Remind students how to communicate with their teachers.
Attendance
Attendance during remote learning is expected each day. Students are expected to login to Google Classroom, watch instructional videos for each content area, complete assignments for the day, participate in virtual classroom sessions via Zoom/Google Meets and submit the Google Attendance form. Students will be able to access the videos, complete the assignments and submit the attendance form anytime each day before 9 p.m. If a student is going to be absent (not able to complete the assignments for the day or participate in learning), a parent should call the school your child attends before 9 a.m. Failure to contact the school in the event of an absence from learning will count as an unexcused absence. Once a student has accumulated 5 or more unexcused absences a referral will be made to the Regional Office of Education’s truancy officer.
Illinois State Board of Education Grade Level Recommended Length of Sustained Attention:
Grade Level | Recommended Maximum | Recommended Length of Sustained Attention |
Pre-K | 60 minutes/day | 3-5 minutes |
K | 90 minutes/day | 3-5 minutes |
1-2 | 90 minutes/day | 5-10 minutes |
3-5 | 120 minutes/day | 10-15 minutes |
6-8 | Class: 30 minutes/day Total: 180 minutes/day | 1 subject area or class |
9-12 | Class: 45 minutes/day Total: 270 minutes/day | 1 subject area or class |
Grade Level Specific Remote Learning Information
Preschool
Content and Delivery with Options and Opportunities
Young children learn through everyday play, exploration, and consistency in a safe and stimulating environment. Teachers will provide students and their families with ideas to construct an understanding of the world around them, especially supporting and encouraging their communication, early literacy, and social-emotional skills. Both digital and hands-on, real life activities will be provided to preschool parents. Reading books with your preschooler whether hard copy or virtually is always recommended for our preschool students and can be provided by your child’s preschool teacher by request.
Communication
Teachers will communicate with parents via email, phone call or through the Seesaw app which your child’s teacher will invite you to download and join on your SmartPhone or other device. Preschool families will be provided learning activities daily through Seesaw. Preschool staff will check in with families at least weekly to determine the best way to support the family.
Time
Based upon the developmental needs of students and the attention span of our youngest students, parents will follow the guidelines from the ISBE Recommendations. Instructional time could be used for story time, songs and fingerplays, gross motor activities, etc.
Kindergarten- 1st Grade-2nd Grade
Curriculum and Instruction
Teachers will prioritize instructional time to essential standards from the Illinois Learning Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. Kindergarten-2nd grade students will access Google Classroom on their IPads each day to watch instructional videos and complete daily assignments for English/Language Arts through the SuperKids portal and workbook and Eureka Math. Science and social studies instructional videos and assignments will be provided intermittently during each week. Specials activities such as Art, Music and Physical Education will be woven into a student's day several times per week. Reading books whether hard copy or virtually is always recommended for students. This can be done as read alouds with parents, prerecorded or independent reading.
Communication
Teachers will communicate with parents via email, phone call and through Seesaw which will be an app on all student IPads and can be downloaded by a parent on a Smartphone or other digital device. K-1 Teachers will post videos of instruction daily, as well as the class work that students need to complete each day. Teachers will be available to answer questions from students and families during office hours established by and communicated to you by your child’s teacher. Teachers will also schedule Zoom or Google Meets meetings to meet with the entire class or small groups of students to review and/or give feedback on assignments and assessments. If a teacher has not interacted with a student for several days, they will reach out to students/families to determine what assistance is needed.
Time
Based upon the developmental needs of students and the attention span of our younger students, the following guidelines for student instructional time will be used. Instructional time could include opportunities such as Zoom/Google Meets, working on independent learning activities suggested by the teacher, watching and responding to previously recorded videos and when appropriate and available, digital resources.
Grading
The emphasis for schoolwork assigned, reviewed, and completed during the remote learning period is on learning, not on compliance. Feedback will focus on the continuation of learning and prioritize the connectedness and care for students and staff. Students will be provided feedback for learning daily. Standards based grading will continue to be used to show progress toward mastery of grade level skills and standards. Parents can access Skyward to view the standards based scoring for each graded assignment. Please note, in Standards Based grading, grades are not averaged. Each grade is a reflection of the students' understanding of the specific concept taught in that activity.
Behavior
Students will be held accountable for their behavior while online, per the Code-of-Conduct for their building. Students may be removed from a virtual classroom if their behavior is distracting or inappropriate. If a student is removed from a virtual classroom, follow-up with administration, that student, and/or parents will occur.
Elementary School (3rd - 5th Grade)
Curriculum and Instruction
Teachers will prioritize instructional time to essential standards from the Illinois Learning Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. Third-Fifth grade students will access Google Classroom on their IPads each day to watch instructional videos and complete daily assignments for English/Language Arts and Eureka Math. Science and social studies instructional videos and assignments will be provided intermittently during each week. Specials activities such as Art, Music and Physical Education will be woven into a student's day several times per week. Reading books whether hard copy or virtually is always recommended for students. This can be done as read alouds with parents, pre recorded or independent reading.
Teachers will be available to answer questions from students and families during office hours established by and communicated to you by your child’s teacher. If you have a question outside of the established office hours, send an email to the teacher and you will get a response within 24 hours. Teachers will also schedule Zoom/Google Meets meetings to meet with the entire class or small groups of students to review and/or give feedback on assignments and assessments. If a teacher has not interacted with a student for several days, they will reach out to students/families to determine what assistance is needed.
Teachers will be mindful of various learning situations for students at home. Some students may be able to participate or complete learning activities during the typical school day. Some families may have other obligations and need to do school work in the evening or on weekends. As always, teachers will keep students' needs and circumstances in mind regarding learning activities. The goal of engaging and supporting students is paramount.
Communication
Teachers will communicate with parents via email, phone call and through Seesaw which will be an app on all student IPads and can be downloaded by a parent on a Smartphone or other digital device. K-1 Teachers will post videos of instruction daily, as well as the class work that students need to complete each day. Teachers will be available to answer questions from students and families during office hours established by and communicated to you by your child’s teacher. Teachers will also schedule Zoom/Google Meets meetings to meet with the entire class or small groups of students to review and/or give feedback on assignments and assessments. If a teacher has not interacted with a student for several days, they will reach out to students/families to determine what assistance is needed.
Time
Based upon the developmental needs of students and the attention span of elementary students, instructional time will vary by grade level. Instructional time could include opportunities such as Zoom/Google Meets, working on independent learning activities suggested by the teacher, watching and responding to previously recorded videos and when appropriate and available, digital resources. The length of instructional sessions will take into account the attention span of the child. This is not to say that students need only 10-15 minute instructional sessions but that student choice and voice will be included in lessons to maintain student focus.
Grading
The emphasis for schoolwork assigned, reviewed, and completed during the remote learning period is on learning, not on compliance. Feedback will focus on the continuation of learning and prioritize the connectedness and care for students and staff. Effective feedback will be timely, specific, and positive and include opportunities for self-reflection and growth.
Students will be provided feedback for learning daily. Standards based grading will continue to be used to show progress toward mastery of grade level skills and standards. Parents can access Skyward to view the standards based scoring for each graded assignment. Please note, in Standards Based grading, grades are not averaged. Each grade is a reflection of the students' understanding of the specific concept taught in that activity.
Behavior
Students will be held accountable for their behavior while online, per the Code-of-Conduct for their building. Students may be removed from a virtual classroom if their behavior is distracting or inappropriate. If a student is removed from a virtual classroom, follow-up with administration, that student, and/or parents will occur.
Special Education and Related Services
Students with disabilities are particularly vulnerable during times of disruption and change. To ensure ongoing growth and progress, we will focus our planning efforts on how to continue serving these students to the greatest extent practicable by tailoring remote learning that provides educational benefits to students with disabilities. All decisions regarding special education will comply with guidance from Knox-Warren Special Education Cooperative
The basic guidelines and options/opportunities are based on the following core beliefs:
IEPs remain in place and will direct students' remote learning. Be mindful that a student's program may require commencing a team meeting.
Emphasize structure and consistency for students with special needs.
Students with special needs benefit greatly from ongoing motivation and excel when relationships with adults and peers are strong.
Students may have opportunities for in-person instruction at school with their special education teacher(s) and/or for related services.
Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
Content and Delivery
Middle school teachers will collaborate with one another to prioritize skills, concepts, and content that are essential for students to understand as we implement Remote Learning. Teachers will work to design learning opportunities for students in an asynchronous fashion--meaning the learning opportunities are not dependent on being available at the same time as the teacher. The learning opportunities factor in time frames, best practices in distance learning and include small or short assessment opportunities.
Communication
Students can expect regular communication with their teachers. This communication could be by email, google classroom, a Zoom/Google Meets conference, or other methods communicated by the individual teacher. The purpose of this communication is to ensure understanding of learning expectations. Additionally, this communication also ensures that staff and students are staying connected with one another. Finally, all teachers will communicate with students and parents the best method to get help or support.
Staff members will also be extending themselves to families and students that have had minimal contact with teachers so far. The goal of this communication will be to reduce the barriers to learning that the family is experiencing and to encourage active dialogue with the middle school staff.
Professional Learning
Middle school staff will be engaging with curriculum specialists at the district along with their content peers to ensure that best practices in distance learning are identified and implemented. Our goal is to work collaboratively to best meet the needs of all students. Remote Learning Planning Days will be used for these purposes as well.
Time
The ISBE recommendations and guidelines for suggested minimum and maximum times of engagement for middle school students in remote learning activities will be implemented.
Online Remote Learning looks different than an in-person school day. The high school format of instruction is designed to provide students and families a narrower, more focused, daily schedule.
Grading
All students will be earning grades as they would be in normal in-person learning. Teachers will be responsible for providing timely feedback and grades via Skyward. In the event that a student is not completing work or participating in virtual learning the teacher will take the following steps:
Make contact with parent
Potentially schedule in person make-up work time with that student
Refer to building principal
Behavior
Students will be held accountable for their behavior while online, per the Code-of-Conduct for their building. Students may be removed from a virtual classroom if their behavior is distracting or inappropriate. If a student is removed from a virtual classroom, follow-up with administration, that student, and/or parents will occur.
High School (9th - 12th Grade)
Content and Delivery
Our goal is to provide students and families with continued learning opportunities that are focused on the goals and objectives of the district. Principals and Teachers will determine appropriate structures for collaboration and instructional planning based on student needs as they may evolve over time.
Illinois Learning Standards will continue to be the foundation of all lessons (Common Core)
Teachers will post student work/assignments via Google Classroom, daily in accordance with their scheduled classes.
Accessible Times:
Teachers will provide in-person/remote instruction during normally scheduled class times M-F from 7:45AM - 3:30 PM.
Teachers will respond as promptly as possible to all email contacts (no later than 24 hours).
Students are expected to attend sessions at specified times as indicated by their teacher(s).
Students needing additional support services, structure, etc. may be asked to attend small in-person groups (even if the district must move to remote learning for all students)
Students will be expected to engage in activities daily. (Dual Credit courses may exceed this as the teachers determine what is necessary to successfully complete the requirements of the courses.
Communication
Students can expect regular communication with their teachers. This communication could be by email, google classroom, a Zoom/Google Meets conference, or other methods communicated by the individual teacher. The purpose of this communication is to ensure understanding of learning expectations.
Classroom teachers will be keeping notes if students are engaged in Remote Learning for the purpose of communication - not consequence.
Lessons will be interactive or live. Students are expected to be present online at assigned times, and are encouraged to engage in the provided learning opportunities, as appropriate by content. We have taken steps to avoid any overlap in these types of lessons for students.
Remote learning requires clear, concise, and timely communication between teachers and students. A communication plan during remote learning consists of:
● Ongoing messaging to families through the Skyward and/or emails.
Professional Learning
High school staff will be engaging with curriculum specialists at the district along with their content peers to ensure that best practices in distance learning are identified and implemented. Staff members will be utilizing time built into the day to conduct team meetings and department meetings. Our goal is to work collaboratively to best meet the needs of all students. Teachers will participate in professional learning throughout this time.
Behavior
Students will be held accountable for their behavior while online, per the Code-of-Conduct for their building. Students may be removed from a virtual classroom if their behavior is distracting or inappropriate. If a student is removed from a virtual classroom, follow-up with administration, that student, and/or parents will occur.
Time
The ISBE recommendations and guidelines for suggested minimum and maximum times of engagement for high school students in remote learning activities will be implemented.
Online Remote Learning looks different than an in-person school day. The high school format of instruction is designed to provide students and families a narrower, more focused, daily schedule.
Grading
All students will be earning grades as they would be in normal in-person learning. Teachers will be responsible for providing timely feedback and grades via Skyward. In the event that a student is not completing work or participating in virtual learning the teacher will take the following steps:
Make contact with parent
Potentially schedule in person make-up work time with that student
Refer to building principal
Grading procedures for the duration of Remote Learning will align with the standard grading policy of 90-80-70-60.
Transcripts
Transcripts will reflect the Trimester grade given in each course.
Dual Credit
The Illinois Board of Higher Education, Illinois Community College Board, and Illinois State Board of Education developed the following guidance to advise secondary and postsecondary institutions in Illinois on supporting and accommodating students who are enrolled in dual credit courses during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
The online, alternative, or remote instruction that is taught by a high school teacher must still meet the standards for college credit. So long as coursework is being completed in these courses, students will receive credit for that work.
Technology Support for Teachers and Families
Every student in the district is issued a device. If a student or family does not have a reliable home internet, please notify your building principal. If you experience difficulties of any kind in accessing teacher content, contact your teacher or building principal. If you experience any difficulties with student devices, contact our technology department.
ALL technology issues will be handled by the D276 Technology Department. Please email all issues to techhelp@atown276.net or call 309-462-2338 and ask for the tech department (between 8:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.) or PRESS 8 to leave a message after normal work hours.