Supporting Hybrid Learning: Elementary

As we prepare to move to the Hybrid 2 pathway, today's blog will provide resources and guidance for providing instruction online.  It will include:

• Steps to consider for potential temporary moves to remote learning
• A link to a document shared with families outlining expectations for remote learning
• A link to a Google site for elementary teams to share their remote learning resources
• Upcoming information on 'Workshop Wednesdays'

Our goal at Southeast Polk is to continue to provide instruction in the safest pathway possible.  We will continue our mitigation strategies that allow us to meet with students in a face to face format.  However, there may be times when a grade level or building needs to move to the remote pathway due to exposures and absences.  The steps below are designed to support collaborative teams in making this transition as needed.

Steps to Consider for Temporary Moves to Remote Learning

While Students are in School

• Do all students know their email and password?

• Can students log on to their learning sites?

• Do we have a materials list for students to take home in the case of remote learning?

Platform

• Does each teacher team have a Google Classroom site?

• Have students had practice accessing this site?

• Does each team have a Zoom link for students to join?

Schedules

• Has the team established a schedule for learning that includes both live and on-demand opportunities?

We are using time recommendations as guidelines for planning and implementing remote learning.  These guidelines could vary depending on what is being taught, but they are a starting point for organizing and creating a schedule for online learning. These guidelines refer to screen time, and do not include practice opportunities or time spent completing assignments. Interventions, enrichment, English learner and Title I services and specially designed instruction may be in addition to these time recommendations. 

Guidelines for Time Spent Online

PK: 20-60 minutes per day  

Kdg: 30-90 minutes per day

Grades 1-2: 45-90 minutes per day

Grades 3-5: 60-120 minutes per day

Grades 6-8: 90-180 minutes per day

Grades 9-12: 120-270 minutes per day

Policies

• Has the team established the criteria for marking student attendance?

• Has the team established a routine for taking attendance in the remote pathway entering attendance data into Infinite Campus?

• How will the team use standards-based grading to communicate expectations and provide feedback for learning?

Remote Learning Pathway: What to Expect

The document linked below is on the Southeast Polk Return to Learn site, and is also shared with families who enter the remote learning pathway. You may want to review this document with your collaborative team so that you may respond to questions that families may have.

Remote Learning Pathway: What to Expect

Southeast Polk Elementary Remote Learning Site

A site has been created for elementary buildings to house their links and resources for remote learning.  You may begin uploading information for hybrid days of learning at home if you wish. All staff have edit rights to this site.  You must click on the 'Publish' button each time you make changes for these changes to be posted to the site.  A session will be held on next Wednesday during "Wednesday Workshops" to provide support with adding materials to this site.  In addition, you may want to refer to the current site that teachers and families are using for remote learning. 

Southeast Polk Elementary Remote Learning Site

Workshop Wednesdays

We will continue to use our late start and early dismissal time on Wednesday for collaboration and planning.  We will also be offering "Wednesday Workshops" beginning next Wednesday until winter break.  These workshops will provide short (30 minute) sessions on tools and resources to support learning in hybrid and remote pathways.  Each Monday, the blog will provide a description of the upcoming Wednesday workshop.  Participation is optional for these workshops.

• November 18th: Setting up Google Sites for Remote Learning
• December 2nd: New Tools and Resources for Newsela
• December 9th: Tiered Task Cards
• December 16th: Student Engagement in the Remote Setting

The Zoom link and resources for each workshop may be found on the Southeast Polk Professional Development site.  Secondary workshops will be from 7:30 AM-8:00 AM and Elementary workshops will be from 2:30 PM-3:00 PM.  Watch for next Monday's blog for more information on the workshop coming up on November 18th. 

And finally, we know how challenging these times are, and admire everything you are doing to keep students safe while supporting their academic and emotional growth. We appreciate all of your hard work and commitment to the students and families of Southeast Polk.