Virtual Learning FAQs
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Elementary
General
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[ADDED JULY 28] What is the difference between Remote Learning and Virtual Learning?
Remote learning is contingency plan B for in-person learning, should the district, schools or classrooms need to shut down due to COVID-19 cases.
Virtual Learning
Students will be primarily learning through the content provided in Edgenuity, as these experiences and learning for students assume that we will not be seeing these students in-person.
Students will be assigned a virtual learning teacher that may or may not be associated with their home campus.
The use of Edgenuity provides increased support to parents and students who have indicated they prefer to learn 100% online.
Remote Learning
All experiences provided to students in remote learning are created with the assumption we will ultimately be seeing these students in-person when it is deemed safe to return to school.
Students will stay connected to their classroom teachers from their home campus throughout the remote learning period.
Teachers will adjust their usual units and lessons used for in-person learning to be modified for online delivery.
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[ADDED JULY 27] What are the technical requirements or specifications for home devices?
Edgenuity is supported on our LISD issued iPads, as well as desktop computers, Chromebooks, iPads (running iOS 9 or higher), Andriod tablets, and surface tablets.
System Requirements:
- Resolution: 1024 x 768 (minimum)
- Internet Connection: High Speed (Broadband)
- Audio: Speakers & microphone
- Printer and means to digitally submit a file or ability to digitally edit PDF files
Other Required software
- A word processing software (word, excel, PowerPoint)
- Audacity or Vocaroo (if on a windows machine)
Plug-ins
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Flash Player
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[ADDED JULY 23] Will my child get to interact with their fellow classmates virtually?
Teachers will provide virtual instruction through WebEx where students will engage with classmates in whole group and small group settings on a regular basis throughout the week.
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[ADDED JULY 23] Will my child be looking at a screen all day if we choose virtual learning, or will there be other modes of learning?
Edgenuity assignments are mainly digital but does include assignments in the subject areas that require reading a book, writing, science activities, and math manipulation.
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[ADDED JULY 23] Can my child work ahead if we choose virtual learning?
TEA does not permit students to work ahead outside of the day’s assignments for the virtual pathway and requires us to structure a day similar to a regular school day, however, the self-paced assignments could be completed in different orders and at different times throughout the day, concluding at their own pace for the work in Edgenuity. A sample schedule can be found in the resources section of this page.
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[ADDED JULY 22] Why did LISD decide to go with Edgenuity as its virtual learning platform?
While LISD believes strongly that there is not substitute for high quality instruction provided in person by one of our teachers, Edgenuity is a nationally recognized leader in on-line education. It was one of several products reviewed by the Learning and Teaching team and deemed to be the best in overall curriculum, user-friendliness, and student engagement. The LISD Technology Department has worked extensively with the implementation team and we expect a seamless transition to the learning platform for our teachers and students. Our own LISD teachers will be monitoring student progress and giving feedback to help the learning and our expectation will be that the curriculum matches our high expectations.
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[ADDED JULY 21] My family attends LISD on an approved out-of-district transfer. Will my child keep their transfer spot if we choose virtual learning?
Yes, families with an approved out-of-district transfer can select virtual or in-person learning and keep their transfer spot.
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[UPDATED JULY 23] If families need to complete some virtual learning in the evening, is that an option? Or is there a time during the day that assignments will be due?
Edgenuity lessons can be done asynchronously (at your own pace) with parent support and could be completed in the evening. The schedule will include synchronous learning (virtual face-to-face) time with their virtual teacher which will occur during the school day. A sample schedule can be found in the resources section of this page.
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Will I be able to make a choice to enroll in virtual learning or does the district choose for me?
Yes, beginning July 15, families will have the opportunity to choose which learning option they want to commit to for the first 9 weeks of the 2020-21 school year. If a family does not submit a commitment form, that student will automatically be enrolled in in-person learning.
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Will there be any fees to participate in virtual learning?
No fees apply to virtual learning. However, there is a small fee for utilizing LISD devices. For the 2020-21 school year, the Replacement Benefit Program fee will be reduced to $20 per student, and $10 per student for those eligible for the Free/Reduced Lunch program. Families who need additional financial assistance will have the opportunity to waive the Replacement Benefit Program fee beyond two students in a household. For more information, please contact your campus.
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If I register for virtual learning to start the school year, does that mean I will do virtual learning for the entire 2020-21 school year?
If a student chooses the virtual learning option, that student is committing to virtual learning for the first 9 weeks of the school year. Families will need to request that change two weeks before the end of the current grading period.
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Will my child experience face-to-face time virtually with their teacher?
Students who choose virtual learning will participate in a Learning Management System online with district assignments that are primarily asynchronous, or self-paced with LISD teacher guidance. Students will also receive some synchronous (face-to-face virtually) support from their teachers through Webex on a weekly basis.
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How will virtual learning be different from at-home learning during the closure last spring?
Virtual learning will be significantly different than at-home learning in time and commitment. Elementary students will participate in a minimum of 240 minutes of instructional engagement in a remote asynchronous (at your own pace) model with synchronous (virtual face-to-face) support available from a designated virtual teacher. Parents at the elementary level will need to support students as a “Learning Coach” in order to facilitate the self-paced components of the learning. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) guidance states that the students day should be “loosely equivalent to an on-campus day.”
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Will students remain enrolled at their school if they choose virtual learning?
Students will continue to be enrolled at their home campus if they choose virtual learning. Students on an IN-district transfer will continue to be enrolled at their approved transfer campus.
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When will students be assigned teachers?
Typically this information is available about a week before the first day of school.
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What will be the platform for virtual learning?
Pre-K students will use the SeeSaw platform, while all other elementary grade levels will be utilizing the Edgenuity-Buzz Learning Management System as well as district adopted resources. More information can be found here.
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What is the mode of learning for elementary students?
Students who choose virtual learning will participate in a Learning Management System online with district assignments that are primarily asynchronous, or self-paced with LISD teacher guidance. Students will also receive some synchronous (face-to-face virtually) support from their teachers through Webex on a weekly basis.
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[ADDED JULY 16] Will students still have access to Istation?
Students will still have full access to Istation and will be using it in the Virtual Learning Pathway.
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[ADDED JULY 16] Is virtual learning through Edgenuity the same across the district?
Yes, the general pacing will be the same. However, each student will have an assigned teacher that will be able to supplement and differentiate as needed for their students assigned to their virtual classroom.
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[ADDED JULY 16] Is the Edgenuity curriculum personalized?
Edgenuity curriculum will be based on the students enrolled grade level, it is not responsive in the sense that it will not move students to other grade level content as they progress. Students are required to engage in the assigned daily lessons, they cannot complete the week’s worth of work in 1 day per TEA guidelines. The virtual classroom teacher will be able to differentiate to meet the needs of students by providing supplemental instruction and resources.
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[ADDED JULY 16] Will elementary virtual learning be solely online videos, online activities, and WebEx meetings, or will there also be hands-on work as well? For example: worksheets and hands-on projects away from the screen?
LISD agrees that the in person learning is most beneficial for our students and their developmental progress. The Virtual Pathway will have activities that promote additional learning with physical experiences such as books, math manipulatives and science exploration that can be supported from the parent/learning coach.
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[ADDED JULY 21] What are the best resources for families for Edgenuity?
LISD is customizing courses in Edgenuity to align more closely with LISD curriculum. There is also a video to preview here: https://www.lisd.net/Page/24334
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[ADDED JULY 16] The Edgenuity video said books can be purchased at an additional cost. What are the fees and how can we purchase?
The district has elected to opt out of the workbooks available through Edgenuity due to the curriculum pacing changes we will be making in order to align more appropriately to the district pacing. All needed worksheets and documents are available in the Edgenuity system and will be in the appropriate order of the curriculum students will be utilizing. They are downloadable, printable and oftentimes editable on the device.
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[ADDED JULY 20] Will there be parent support for virtual learning?
Yes, LISD will provide a parent orientation for Edgenuity and parent support will be available as families begin onboarding for virtual learning.
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[ADDED JULY 16] Can virtual learning be done at any time of day?
Students will have a weekly plan provided by the teacher that will also outline each day’s activities and learning, this will include Edgenuity lessons as well as scheduled, synchronous, virtual time for additional lessons, interventions and extensions in order to provide the best learning experience. A sample schedule will be provided to families, but the asynchronous/self-paced lessons could be done at a time on the assigned day more convenient to meeting the needs of the family. However, students are required to engage in the assigned daily lessons, they cannot complete the week’s worth of work in 1 day per TEA guidelines.
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How long is the school day for virtual learning?
Pre-K virtual learning will be a half-day program led by an LISD virtual teacher, which includes 90 minutes of daily instruction.
Kindergarten through fifth grade (K-5) virtual learning will be full-day experience, which includes a minimum of 240 minutes of content instruction. Specials and extracurricular opportunities will be available for K-5 students.
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[ADDED JULY 16] What if my child finishes the school day in less than 240 minutes?
Students will have a weekly plan provided by the teacher that will also outline each day’s activities and learning, this will include Edgenuity lessons as well as synchronous virtual time for additional lessons, interventions and extensions in order to provide the best learning experience. A student may at times complete their learning quicker on some days than others.
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How much involvement will a parent need in order to successfully support their child in virtual learning? Will my child be able to complete this work without the assistance of a parent or guardian?
Parents of elementary students will play a vital role as a “Learning Coach” in the virtual setting in order for students to be successful. The Learning Management System provides many parent support tools to assist families in navigating a virtual environment. In addition, all students will have a designated teacher that will also provide WebEx instruction, lessons and small group intervention and/or extensions.
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Will daily attendance be taken during virtual learning? If so, how will it be taken?
Yes, TEA requires that attendance is taken daily in virtual learning. Attendance will be based on specific engagement in learning each day according to expectations communicated by the teacher. More information to come.
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Can out-of-district students participate in LISD virtual learning?
LISD does consider out-of-district transfer requests. Students approved for an out-of-district transfer and enrolled in LISD may currently select the virtual learning option. Transfer information can be found here.
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Will meals be provided for students who select virtual learning?
Yes, LISD will continue to provide a feeding program. Additional details to come.
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Are immunizations required for virtual learning?
Yes, the Department of State Health Services most current communication states a current vaccination status is required regardless if learning is in person or virtual.
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[ADDED JULY 16] If my child participates in virtual learning and is in Gifted & Talented (GT), can they attend just GT in person?
Formally identified Gifted and Talented (GT) students will continue to receive support through learning extensions that emphasize the depth and complex thinking strategies as well as the capacities of communication, problem solving, self-awareness, critical thinking and research through the support of a GT facilitator. They will not be attending a separate class at the campus if a family chooses the Virtual Learning Pathway.
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What language support will my student have for virtual learning if they are an English Language Learner?
Students from beginning to advanced high, language proficiency levels, will develop their vocabulary and practice their listening and speaking skills in a supported online environment designed to accelerate English language acquisition through audio, video and sample prompts that actively engage the learner. Where appropriate, an LPAC meeting may be conducted to address student needs.
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How will Gifted and Talented services be handled through virtual learning?
Formally identified gifted and talented students will continue to receive support through learning extensions that emphasize the depth and complex thinking strategies as well as the capacities of communication, problem solving, self-awareness, critical thinking and research.
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[ADDED JULY 23] How will Gifted & Talented testing work for virtual learning students?
Students who need to complete GT testing will report to a campus or main administration building for these assessments as they must be completed in a secure setting.
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Will all students participate in State assessments like the STAAR test?
The state has not indicated any changes in testing requirements, and at this time we expect all students who would typically be tested to participate.
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How will virtual learning be staffed?
Schools will continue to be staffed based upon student enrollment. Virtual learning classes will be taught by an LISD teacher. The virtual learning teachers will likely teach students from multiple campuses.
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How will technology be distributed?
Once the commitment form responses are collected and technology needs are assessed, campuses will be in contact with families within the next 2-3 weeks to distribute technology devices.
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How will we know how to use District issued technology, and instructional platforms?
LISD campuses will provide as much support as possible to families who have questions about technology and instructional platform use. The district also has a technology helpdesk that can be reached at (972) 350-1833 for additional support.
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[ADDED JULY 16] If we ordered supplies through EPI, can we pick them up for use at home?
Your campus will have more information about this.
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Discovery Academy
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What is the status of the Pre-K Tuition Based Discovery Academy?
The Pre-K Tuition Based Discovery Academy will continue to be open in the same manner as all other campus classrooms. If a Discovery Academy family chooses to participate in virtual learning, they will receive the half-day, 90 minute curriculum. The PreK virtual learning tuition daily rate will be reduced by 50% less than the monthly, in person rate for families who would like this option. Parents who no longer wish for their child to participate should contact the Early Childhood Department at ecprograms@lisd.net to withdraw from the program.
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The Discovery Academy Handbook states that a family can request to be released from the full-year obligation for extenuating circumstances. Will COVID-related concerns be considered an extenuating circumstance throughout the school year?
Families wishing to unenroll their child due to COVID-related factors may do so at any time. To unenroll, email ecprograms@lisd.net and the campus attendance clerk at their school as soon as possible to notify both parties. Those choosing to unenroll by Aug. 3, 2020 will receive a registration fee refund of $125 of the $200 registration. Registration fees will no longer be refunded after Aug. 3 though a family may still choose to unregister at any time. Depending on the time of year when unenrollment happens, a final adjusted tuition payment may be required. Future tuition payments will be halted at the time of withdrawal.
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Dual Language & Spanish Immersion
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[ADDED JULY 22] If the whole district transitions to remote learning, will my child stay in the Dual Language/Spanish Immersion program?
Yes, your child will remain with their homeroom teachers from the SIP/DL programs. Instruction will be provided in both Spanish and English.
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[ADDED JULY 22] If I decide to homeschool my child will I still get to keep my spot in Dual Language/Spanish Immersion spot when we return?
LISD follows state guidelines when enrolling students from non-accredited private, public or parochial schools, including homeschooled students. For more information about the evaluation process and placement factors, click here.
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Will the Dual Language and/or Spanish Immersion program be available if I choose virtual learning?
No, due to the design of our on campus Dual Language and Spanish Immersion Programs, this model will not be available in the virtual classroom. Although many of the Texas Essential Knowledge Skills in Language Arts may be similar in English and Spanish, some of the instruction differs in the way it is taught due to the foundations of the languages. We do not simply translate the Spanish curriculum, as it is not the best instructional practice. The Dual Language and Spanish Immersion Program are implemented through a framework that is supported by classroom curriculum, instruction, materials, and proficiency-based support. All of these components rely on linguistic features of the classroom environment that collectively cannot be replicable in a virtual setting.
The Virtual Learning Pathway will be utilizing a specific software program for each content area and this software program does not include the development of biliteracy in any content area so it is not possible to recreate the two-way program that our students receive with in-person instruction from teachers. Dual Language and Spanish Immersion are very specialized programs that cannot be replicated in an at-home environment, similar to many classes at the middle school and high school levels that are not being offered virtually.
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Can my student return to the Dual Language/Spanish Immersion program upon return to in-person learning?
Yes, students who opt for virtual learning will remain enrolled at the campus they were approved to attend by the Dual Language/Spanish Immersion Program and will still be allowed to participate in the program upon return to their in-person classroom setting at the campus they were placed at regardless of which 9 weeks they choose to re-enter. Families will need to request that change two weeks before the end of the current grading period. The student will even be allowed to return at the start of the 21-22 school year if they select virtual learning and remain enrolled in LISD without any requirement for Language Proficiency assessment/screening. For out-of-district transfers, students must request a transfer each school year, once approved, the child will be placed back in their spot at their designated campus.
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With the opportunity to change my learning option at the end of the first nine weeks, can virtual learning families change their learning option to in-person learning in order to participate in the Dual Language/Spanish Immersion Program?
Yes, families will be allowed to return to the Dual Language/Spanish Immersion program upon return to their in-person classroom setting at the campus they were placed at regardless of which 9 weeks they choose to re-enter. The student will even be allowed to return at the start of the 21-22 school year if they select virtual learning without any requirement for Language Proficiency assessment/screening. For out-of-district transfers, students must request a transfer each school year, once approved, the child will be placed back in their spot at their designated campus.
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[UPDATED JULY 22] If we choose virtual learning this year, will we be allowed back into Dual Language/Spanish Immersion next year?
Students who remain enrolled in LISD and choose the virtual learning pathway (or in-person) for the 2020-2021 school year will be allowed to return to the program without losing their spot. Since students who are homeschooled are not enrolled in LISD, and will need to re-apply to the program.
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If I have an approved transfer in order to participate in the Dual Language/Spanish Immersion Program, will we be forced to give up our approved transfer if we choose virtual learning?
No. Unless a student elects to withdraw from the district or the Dual Language/Spanish Immersion Program permanently, students who elect to participate in virtual learning will remain at the district approved transfer campus and are eligible for return to the program upon in person return. Out-of-district transfer will have to complete transfer every year, placement back in the program will be contingent upon approval.
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[UPDATED JULY 22] Will there be any language-proficiency requirements if my student returns to Dual Language or Spanish Immersion?
For students who select virtual learning, LISD will not require a language proficiency exam in order to reenter the in-person learning for Dual Language or Spanish Immersion Programs.
Fifth-grade students who select virtual learning for the 2020-2021 school year will not require a language assessment to enter the Advanced Spanish Program in 6th grade.
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How can I continue Spanish language learning with my child if we are not participating in Dual Language/Spanish Immersion program due to virtual learning?
Spanish resources will be available for parents who desire to supplement Spanish language learning. The Dual Language/Spanish Immersion Program will work with parents to access a virtual resource so that students can practice the Spanish language independently.
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STEM Academy
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Will students enrolled at STEM academies still have the option to select virtual learning and remain in the STEM academy?
Yes. Students enrolled at a STEM Academy campus will have the option to select virtual learning and remain in the STEM Academy. The virtual learning option will have an engineering enrichment lesson once per week in the student’s specials rotation schedule.
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Extended School Day
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[ADDED JULY 21] If we choose Virtual Learning can my child still attend ESD?
No, only students who select face to face learning are eligible to enroll. There is not an Elementary Virtual ESD option available.
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[UPDATED JULY 21] Will my child lose their reserved spot in the Extended School Day (ESD) program if we choose virtual learning?
Yes, if you chose the virtual learning option, your family will forfeit their ESD reserved spot unless you select the Save my Spot fee. The fee will be a percentage of your child's tuition, charged each 9-week period that your child is enrolled in virtual learning. The Save my Spot fee (20% of your 9-week tuition amount, see fees listed by plan below) would guarantee your spot to be saved during virtual learning. The other option is to withdraw your student from ESD during virtual learning and re-enroll, depending on space, once your child returns to in-person learning.
Save my Spot Fee 20% of your 9-week tuition by payment plan:
- Standard Yearly: $105
- Standard Semester: $112.50
- Standard Monthly: $119.25
- Scholarship: $67.50
- Employee’s click here to view fees
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[ADDED JULY 21] Is the ESD Save my Spot Fee in addition to the tuition we have already paid?
No. The Save my Spot fee is in lieu of tuition. If you have already paid your ESD tuition and you select Virtual Learning, we will credit your account with your tuition. The fee will be withdrawn from your credit to save your spot.
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If our child moves from virtual learning to in-person learning during the 2020-21 school year, can they still attend ESD?
Yes, if your child transitions from virtual learning to in-person learning and there is space available at your campus, or you paid a Save my Spot fee you may attend ESD.
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[ADDED JULY 21] If I am letting the district know of my plan to keep my child home in a virtual learning environment do I have to let the ESD program know?
Yes, if you are selecting Virtual Learning please notify your ESD accounting clerk.
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Secondary
General
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[ADDED JULY 28] What is the difference between Remote Learning and Virtual Learning?
Remote learning is contingency plan B for in-person learning, should the district, schools or classrooms need to shut down due to COVID-19 cases.
Virtual Learning
Students will be primarily learning through the content provided in Edgenuity, as these experiences and learning for students assume that we will not be seeing these students in-person.
Students will be assigned a virtual learning teacher that may or may not be associated with their home campus.
The use of Edgenuity provides increased support to parents and students who have indicated they prefer to learn 100% online.
Remote Learning
All experiences provided to students in remote learning are created with the assumption we will ultimately be seeing these students in-person when it is deemed safe to return to school.
Students will stay connected to their classroom teachers from their home campus throughout the remote learning period.
Teachers will adjust their usual units and lessons used for in-person learning to be modified for online delivery.
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[UPDATED JULY 23] What is the difference between virtual learning and remote learning pathways?
Remote learning is for students on the in-person learning pathway, should the district need to completely shut down due to a COVID-19 outbreak.
VIRTUAL LEARNING PATHWAY
REMOTE LEARNING PATHWAY
PARTICIPANTS
Student/Family opts into the program; May change the selection at the end of each grading period.
LISD is forced to shut down in-person instruction.
IF THE SHUTDOWN IS DISCONTINUED?
Remain in virtual pathway.
Return to home campus and schedule.
INSTRUCTION
Students are assigned an LISD virtual teacher(s).
Instruction would be provided by the same teacher as in-person learning.
ATTENDANCE
Students must participate daily to be counted present; All truancy policies apply.
Students must participate daily to be counted present; All truancy policies apply.
CURRICULUM
Virtual students will have LISD teachers using the Edgenuity with possible extensions, class meetings, etc.
Remote students will continue with their assigned LISD teachers who will use the LISD curriculum to adapt/replicate virtually as much as possible.
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[ADDED JULY 22] Why did LISD decide to go with Edgenuity as its virtual learning platform?
While LISD believes strongly that there is not substitute for high quality instruction provided in person by one of our teachers, Edgenuity is a nationally recognized leader in on-line education. It was one of several products reviewed by the Learning and Teaching team and deemed to be the best in overall curriculum, user-friendliness, and student engagement. The LISD Technology Department has worked extensively with the implementation team and we expect a seamless transition to the learning platform for our teachers and students. Our own LISD teachers will be monitoring student progress and giving feedback to help the learning and our expectation will be that the curriculum matches our high expectations.
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[ADDED JULY 21] How do I update my class requests if I choose virtual or virtual plus, and a course I want is unavailable virtually?
You will receive an email with the opportunity to update course requests for classes unavailable virtually.
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[ADDED JULY 21] How do I know which classes my child requested for this school year?
Visit Skyward Family Access and view the Schedule tab for a list of requested classes. Teachers and specific class periods will not be finalized until just before school starts. Your campus will communicate with you once schedules are available.
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Will I be able to make a choice to enroll in virtual learning or does the district choose for me?
Yes, beginning July 15, families will have the opportunity to choose which learning option they want to commit to for the first 9 weeks of the 2020-21 school year. If a family does not submit a commitment form, that student will automatically be enrolled in in-person learning.
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If my child chooses virtual learning, will they still be associated with their home campus?
Yes, each student will continue to be connected to their home campus. Parents will continue to receive communication from the campus and will be invited to engage in various virtual activities throughout the year as feasible. If a virtual learning student switches to in-person learning, they may not have the same teachers, as teachers may or may not be teaching both a virtual and in-person class. Virtual courses will be taught by certified LISD teachers but not necessarily a teacher from your student’s home campus. In turn, students in your child’s virtual learning class may or may not be limited to students from your child’s home campus.
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Who will be my student’s teacher and will that teacher be from our home campus?
Virtual courses will be taught by certified LISD teachers. Your student’s teacher may or may not be from your student’s home campus, but because LISD has phenomenal teachers working across the district, students and parents can expect the same caliber of teacher and a consistent experience. In turn, students in your child’s virtual learning class may or may not be limited to students from your child’s home campus.
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When will students be assigned teachers?
Typically this information is available about a week before the first day of school.
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[ADDED JULY 20] What are the courses available through virtual learning?
A list of virtual learning course offerings can be found here.
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[ADDED JULY 16] When will student schedules be released?
Student schedules will not be finalized for in-person or virtual learning until much closer to the start of school. Schools will have to develop new master schedules and determine staffing assignments based on parent responses to the commitment form.
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Will there be any fees to participate in virtual learning?
No fees apply to virtual learning. There is a small fee for utilizing LISD devices. More information about fees and financial support can be found here.
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If I register for virtual learning to start the school year, does that mean I will do virtual learning for the entire 2020-21 school year?
If a student chooses the virtual learning option, that student is committing to virtual learning for the first 9 weeks of the school year. Families will need to request that change two weeks before the end of the current grading period.
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How long is the school day for virtual learning?
Secondary (grades 6-12) virtual learning will be full-day. Students will have a comparable number of classes and lessons in their schedule to a student participating in in-person learning.
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Will lessons be taught live or via pre-recorded video?
Students will participate in both synchronous (virtual live sessions) and asynchronous (online coursework) learning.
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What will a typical week or day look like for a student who chooses virtual learning?
Students will generally follow a typical school day from start to finish in a virtual environment. Depending on the student and his or her grade, selected coursework and individual needs, the amount of synchronous (virtual live sessions) versus asynchronous (online coursework) time may differ student to student.
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How will virtual learning this fall be different from at-home learning this past spring?
Virtual learning will be significantly different than at-home learning in time and commitment. Students will participate in a minimum of 240 minutes of instructional engagement in a remote asynchronous (online coursework) model with synchronous (virtual live sessions) support from a designated virtual teacher. Parents will need to support students in order to facilitate the online coursework components of the learning. TEA guidance states that the students day should be “loosely equivalent to an on-campus day.”
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What if my child chose courses for the 2020-21 school year last spring that are not available for virtual learning this year?
Not all courses offered in person will be available for virtual learning. If a student chooses courses at the end of the 2019-20 school year for the 2020-21 school year that are not available for virtual learning, the district will be in contact with those families to adjust their course selections. Families could consider the Virtual Plus option.
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[UPDATED JULY 29] Will AP and Pre-AP courses be available for virtual learning?
Yes. In middle school, all Pre-AP and GT/LEAP courses offered in-person will also be available virtually. In high school, all of the Pre-AP courses offered in-person will be available virtually. For AP courses not offered virtually, students may opt to take these classes through the virtual plus learning option which will require students to go to campus for those courses.
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Will the virtual learning curriculum be the same as the in-person curriculum?
Virtual learning will have a separate instructional design but will utilize the same pacing, content, and grading guidelines as in-person learning. Virtual learning assignments may look different but they will cover the same content and skills as in-person learning.
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Will assignments be due daily or weekly?
Students will have assignments that are due daily and/or at teacher discretion just like in-person learning. Students must engage and make prescribed progress each day class is scheduled to meet.
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How will virtual learning assignments be graded?
Grading for all virtual learning will follow the same grading policy as the courses in the in-person learning model. Virtual courses will follow the same GPA and rank policy (EIC) as the in-person courses. According to TEA guidance, the grading policies for virtual learning must be consistent with LISD’s grading policies for in-person assignments. For GPA and rank information: How is GPA Calculated?
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Will daily attendance be taken during virtual learning?
Yes, TEA requires that attendance is taken daily in virtual learning.
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Will daily attendance be taken in courses taught through the Virtual Learning Academy?
No, VLA courses are authorized through the Texas Virtual School Network and attendance is set at 100% present upon successful completion of the course. However, the courses are NOT self-paced. Students are provided with a pacing guide with assignment due dates.
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What is the difference between virtual learning and LISD’s Virtual Learning Academy (VLA)?
The LISD Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) is the district's virtual campus for high school classes which has been in existence since 2007. VLA is authorized by the Texas Virtual School Network to provide fully online courses taught by LISD teachers who have completed a 30 hour course in the teaching of virtual classes. VLA currently has nearly 30 courses in their catalog. Students can take these classes as part of their campus or virtual learning schedule creating flexibility in their schedule by taking a combination of classes on campus and classes online through VLA. Students may take up to three VLA courses in a year. While these are not self-paced classes, students do have a lot of flexibility in time of day and days of the week they must work on their courses. These courses count toward GPA calculations in the same way as on campus classes count.
The Virtual Learning option is the full-time online option available to all students grades K-12 who do not wish to return to campus in the 2020-21 school year because of COVID-19. This option allows students to take a full schedule online using a curriculum specifically designed for online learning and selected by LISD. LISD teachers will be teaching these courses. This program is NOT the same as the At-Home learning from the spring. Teachers will receive training specific to teaching online and students will be taking a curriculum that reflects the full LISD curriculum for each course. Per TEA, students will be expected to work on their courses and make progress each day of the week in the same way that campus classes meet. These courses count toward GPA calculations in the same way as in person classes count. -
[ADDED JULY 20] What is the cost for classes through the Virtual Learning Academy (VLA)?
If your student is taking an LISD VLA class as one of their four scheduled classes, there are no fees. If your student takes a VLA class as an overload (a 5thclass), there is a fee assessed for that class.
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[ADDED JULY 22] What is the difference between VLA course content and it's delivery platform and Edgenuity?
Some VLA courses can and will utilize Edgenuity. Currently, many of the VLA courses use a product form APEX Learning. The Learning and Teaching team reviewed both products and found Edgenuity to better meet the needs of the majority of student needs.
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What will be the platform for virtual learning?
Secondary students will utilize the learning management system Edgenuity for virtual learning as well as district adopted resources.
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[ADDED JULY 20] Can I take classes through the LISD Virtual Learning Academy as well as through the district virtual learning option Edgenuity?
Yes, You can take a mix of classes between VLA and the virtual learning option in the same way you can take a mix of VLA and on-campus classes. In most cases, you can take a maximum of 3 courses through VLA per year. Any more than four courses will require a review of the schedule to ensure they fit with the rest of the students’ schedule.
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[ADDED JULY 20] Will there be parent support for virtual learning?
Yes, LISD will provide a parent orientation for Edgenuity and parent support will be available as families begin onboarding for virtual learning.
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If my child participates in virtual learning, how will they get extra help when they have questions?
Students will be provided synchronous (virtual face-to-face) opportunities with their teachers to ask questions. Teachers will use tools such as WebEX to meet with students individually, in small groups and as a class.
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How will Gifted and Talented services be handled through virtual learning?
Stay tuned for more information.
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[ADDED JULY 23] How will Gifted & Talented testing work for virtual learning students?
Students who need to complete GT testing will report to a campus or main administration building for these assessments as they must be completed in a secure setting.
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How will enrichment and intervention be handled through virtual learning?
Stay tuned for more information.
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If a child participates in virtual learning, can they still participate in campus-based clubs and organizations?
By choosing the virtual path, opportunities such as this will be limited, and may not be possible at all.
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Who will be my student’s teacher and will that teacher be from our home campus?
Stay tuned for more information.
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What language support will my student have for virtual learning if they are an English Language Learner?
Students from beginning to advanced high, language proficiency levels, will develop their vocabulary and practice their listening and speaking skills in a supported online environment designed to accelerate English language acquisition through audio, video and sample prompts that actively engage the learner. Where appropriate, an LPAC meeting may be conducted to address student needs.
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Middle School
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What courses are available to my students for virtual learning?
Due to the large number of courses offered and in an effort to provide continued, high-quality learning within LISD, we are limiting the course offerings available through secondary virtual learning. Students in virtual learning will have access to all levels of learning and will be provided with a variety of core and elective choices. A list of courses will be available soon.
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Can my middle school student participate in fine arts and athletics if we choose virtual learning?
Yes, however students will need to choose the Virtual Learning Plus option in order to participate in UIL electives such as fine arts and athletics.
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High School
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What courses are available to my high school student for virtual learning?
Due to the large number of courses offered and in an effort to provide continued, high-quality learning within LISD, we are limiting the course offerings available through secondary virtual learning. Students in virtual learning will have access to all levels of learning and will be provided with a variety of core and elective choices. A list of courses will be available soon.
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What courses are available to my high school student through the LISD Virtual Learning Academy?
The LISD Virtual Learning Academy offers a wide range of high quality courses across most core subject areas and some electives. These courses are all taught by qualified LISD teachers who have also completed the TEA required 30 hours of qualified training for teaching online courses through the Texas Virtual School Network. The VLA catalog consists of 29 courses including 5 AP classes.
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What if there is a course my high school student wants to take that is not listed in the course catalog for virtual learning?
At the high school level, students who choose to enroll in virtual learning will be allowed to take courses not listed in the virtual learning course catalog at their home campus. These courses will follow the bell schedule at the students’ home campus. Please refer to LISD’s Virtual Plus program.
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Can my high school student participate in fine arts and athletics if we choose virtual learning?
Yes, however students will need to choose the Virtual Learning Plus option in order to participate in UIL electives such as fine arts and athletics..
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Can my high school student participate in athletics or fine arts virtually instead of going to school?
No. Athletics and fine arts courses will only be available to high school students in person, on campus. However, virtual learning students may take all their other courses online and attend school only to participate in high school athletics or fine arts courses. In order to do this, students will need to choose the Virtual Learning Plus option.
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Can my child still participate in courses at the Career and Technical Education Centers?
At the high school level, students who choose to enroll in virtual learning will be allowed to take in-person courses at the Career Centers by enrolling in the Virtual Learning Plus option. LISD wants students to be able to continue to pursue their interests, endorsements and certifications.
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[UPDATED JULY 29] Can my student take dual-credit courses virtually?
Dual credit registration for fall 2020 has already closed, however, all dual credit courses are offered virtually. Campuses are corresponding directly with any students enrolled in a dual credit course.
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[ADDED JULY 29] Will high school Gifted & Talented (GT) courses be offered virtually?
High school GT courses are all offered as Pre-AP or AP, depending on the course. Students choosing virtual will be placed in the corresponding Pre-AP/AP section. This is the same scenario as in-person when a GT course does not have enough students to offer the course.
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Virtual Plus
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[UPDATED JULY 23] If my child chooses Virtual Learning Plus, do they have to take all electives on campus?
Middle School
For Virtual Plus, middle school students will take their required core classes virtually. The classes listed on the Virtual Plus Course Offerings page may be taken in-person. Campus electives not listed on the Virtual Plus options will need to be changed to one of the virtual elective options. Parents will soon receive a form to update their student's course requests based on the option selected in the 2020-2021 Commitment form.High School
For high school students via the Virtual Plus option, any course LISD is unable to provide virtually can be taken in-person. Such as:- All performing arts, advanced visual arts and athletics (*includes all before and after school events)
- CTE courses, including all Career Center courses
- Activity classes (student council, yearbook, etc.)
All in-person and Virtual Plus electives are subject to enrollment numbers and availability. Parents will soon receive a form to update their student's course requests based on the option selected in the 2020-2021 Commitment form. Find Virtual & Virtual Plus course offerings here.
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[ADDED JULY 22] What would day a look like for a student who chooses the Virtual Plus option?
Secondary students who participate in the Virtual Plus option may have their in-person learning classes scheduled at any time during the school day, based on when the class is offered on campus. The virtual classes will be asynchronous, allowing student flexibility for when they engage and participate. Virtual classes will include some synchronous elements, but participation at a specific time will not be required if there is a conflict in traveling to campus for a scheduled class. The district is continuing to explore how scheduling will best be accomplished for students who select this option.
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[ADDED JULY 21] If I choose virtual learning plus, do I get to pick when my on campus classes are?
No, all on-campus classes will be scheduled and staffed with our normal processes matching a teacher to a class period.
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[UPDATED JULY 20] What electives will be available for my student should I choose the virtual learning plus option?
A list of electives for virtual learning plus students can be found here.
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Will transportation be provided for virtual learning plus students?
No, transportation will not be provided for students participating in virtual learning plus.
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Can my high school student participate in athletics or fine arts virtually instead of going to school?
No. Athletics and fine arts courses will only be available to high school students in person, on campus. However, virtual learning plus students may take all their other courses online and attend school only to participate in high school athletics or fine arts courses.
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Will AP and Pre-AP courses be available for virtual learning?
Yes. In middle school, all Pre-AP and GT/LEAP courses offered in-person will also be available virtually. In high school, all of the Pre-AP courses offered in-person will be available virtually. For AP Courses, 13 AP courses will be available virtually. For AP courses not offered virtually, students may opt to take these classes through the virtual plus learning option which will require students to go to campus for those courses.
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If my child chooses the Virtual Learning Plus option, will they be subject to the additional 25 minutes the district plans to add to the end of the school day to “bank minutes”?
Yes, students will attend the scheduled class time at that campus.
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How will Virtual Plus students be impacted if a campus or a classroom is closed down due to COVID-19?
Virtual Plus students will follow the same procedures and timeframes as in-person students in this situation.
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Will classes scheduled for Virtual Learning Plus be grouped consecutively or spread throughout the day?
Classes are highly unlikely to be grouped together and families should not plan for this to be the case.
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Special Education
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[ADDED JULY 22] How will any necessary 504 or ARD meetings happen if we choose virtual learning?
As soon as students make a selection to the virtual learning pathway and staff has been assigned, the process of reviewing student needs will begin. Any necessary 504 or ARD meetings will be scheduled as soon as possible.
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[ADDED JULY 21] Will virtual face-to-face time with teachers be one-on-one or in a group setting?
Instruction will vary between both individual and group instruction throughout the school day.
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[ADDED JULY 21] What is the expectation of volume of work to be done for virtual learning, such as attending live meetings and turning in work?
Students in specialized classes whose parents elect the Virtual Learning platform will receive instruction through two methods - asynchronous and synchronous.
Asynchronous Instruction does not require having the teacher and student engaged at the same time. In this method, students learn from instruction that is not necessarily being delivered in-person or in real-time. This type of instruction may include various forms of digital and online learning, such as prerecorded video lessons or game-based learning tasks that students complete on their own, and pre-assigned work and formative assessments made available to students on paper.
Synchronous Instruction that is two-way, real-time/live, virtual instruction between teachers and students when students are not on campus. In this method, the required amount of instructional time is scheduled each day. Synchronous instruction is provided through a computer or other electronic device or over the phone. The instructional method must address the required curriculum and the student’s individualized instruction plan (IEP) for services.
Special Education teachers and related service providers will establish schedules for serving their contact students reflecting both asynchronous and synchronous activities throughout the school day. The student will receive the full commensurate school day as students in In-Person Learning. The amount of instruction and work for students to complete will follow the same expectation for students whose parents elect In-Person Learning. If a student misses time in their instructional schedule, the student will be considered absent in the same manner a student would be considered absent in the In-Person Learning platform.
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If students choose virtual, will they be taught by their campus contact teacher or a virtual teacher?
Students who are receiving instruction through Virtual Learning will be taught by a certified SPED Teacher that is assigned to teach virtually. It may not be their campus teacher.
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It’s my understanding that if I choose Virtual Learning, my child will use Edgenuity. Is that correct or will they be using a more appropriate curriculum for my child in a Life Skills classroom?
Edgenuity is a platform to access enrolled grade level instruction. Curriculum options vary in specialized classrooms (ie. Life Skills, Communications) based on students’ needs. Students’ ARD committees will need to review individual students’ critical needs and develop an appropriate plan if a parent chooses the Virtual Learning option to allow the student to make progress.
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If we choose to do virtual learning, will there be any options for supplemental in-person MTA/dyslexia education?
A parent may elect the Virtual Learning option, but may want in person instruction or related services including Dyslexia, OT, PT, or Social Skills. The ARD committee will develop the Virtual Learning schedule of services that reflect the two locations of at home and the service that will be provided in-person at school.
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Can a parent choose Virtual Learning but receive some specialized or Related Services in person?
A parent may elect the Virtual Learning option, but may want in person instruction or related services including Dyslexia, OT, PT, or Social Skills. The ARD committee will develop the Virtual Learning schedule of services that reflect the two locations of at home and the service that will be provided in-person at school. The ARD committee will also need to develop the full FAPE offer schedule of services in the event the child returns to In-Person learning all day at school.
In cases of parents wanting Virtual Learning and in person instruction including a specialized service or related service for their child, the student will be required to come to school to receive the in person service. If the parent turns down the offer to provide in-person service at school, the ARD needs to discuss how the service will be provided virtually to provide FAPE. -
Can a student receive their dyslexia/MTA/SDI Reading and their Related Services if a parent selects Virtual Learning?
Yes. Parents who have a child with a disability may choose Virtual Learning rather than In-Person Learning with the understanding that Special Education service and supports in Virtual Learning may not mirror the services and supports that a student receives with In-Person learning in the classroom. Providing a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in Virtual learning will require an ARD committee meeting to review the student’s present levels of academic and functional performance.
In addition, the ARD committee will develop an appropriate IEP along with necessary supports and services that address priority learning standards and critical areas of need for providing FAPE and ensuring the student will make good progress on their individualized education plan. The ARD will also need to consider Parent Training to support the student in virtual learning and computer-based curriculum. -
[ADDED JULY 21] My family wants to consider virtual learning, but we are concerned with the time commitment. Will virtual learning be flexible?
The Virtual Learning option will not be the same as the At-Home learning students received during school closure last spring. Special Education teachers assigned to the Virtual Learning school will provide scheduled services similar to how a teacher for In-Person Instruction establishes schedules for serving students.