E-Learning days provide Homewood School District 153 with an opportunity to engage students in remote learning activities that will continue to advance learning during building closures.
Timeline:
- If possible, students and staff will be notified of a potential e-learning day before the end of the school day prior to closure.
- If that is not possible, every attempt will be made to determine an e-learning day by 8 p.m. the night before. A decision will be made by 5:30 am at the latest.
- Students will be reminded to bring home their devices (K-2 iPads / 3-8 laptops) if there is a possibility of an e-learning day.
- By 5:30 am on the day of a closure, notification will be communicated to all staff and families via email, text messages, phone calls, district website, and/or social media postings.
- Individual building schedules will be shared with parents by building principals before the end of the 1st trimester. Staff will be available and supporting students using a combination of virtual meetings and email.
- Upon returning to school, all student work from the e-learning day must be completed and submitted to teachers. A two-day grace period will be given when necessary.
Teacher Expectations:
- Teachers will host Microsoft Teams virtual meetings to take attendance, check in with students, and answer any questions regarding the day’s class schedule, as well as the day’s assignments.
- Teachers will conduct synchronous learning and assign independent learning activities.
- Teachers will post links to assignments/activities in Microsoft Teams.
- Teachers will communicate directions for turning in work assigned on an e-learning day.
- Teachers will be available to answer questions and support students when independent activities are assigned.
Student Expectations:
- Students will be expected to log in to their Microsoft Teams meetings at the regular school start time in order for attendance to be recorded for the day.
- Students will complete lessons for the day that will include synchronous learning, small group lessons, and independent learning activities.
- Students or a parent/guardian should reach out to teachers with any questions via email.
- E-learning instruction, activities, and assignments should equate to five clock-hours of engagement
Internet Accessibility Issues:
- Students without internet access will be identified during the first months of school and provided with non-electronic materials.
- If a student is unable to access the internet from home on the day of e-learning, the parent should contact the school and report the issue. The student will still be responsible for completed e-learning work when the internet connection is restored or upon returning to school. This will not be counted as an absence.
- Technical support will be available to families by calling the support phone numbers or utilizing the Tech Request ticketing system.
Students with Special Needs
- Students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and Section 504 plans will have accommodations made based on their plans, and alternative assignments may be substituted related to IEP goals.
- Students with direct related services will engage in activities provided by the related service provider on the e-learning day or minutes will be made up accordingly.
EL Students
- Classroom teachers will work in conjunction with building EL teachers to ensure necessary accommodations are made to the student’s e-learning tasks to ensure appropriate services are provided on e-learning days.
Student Training:
- Students will receive instruction from teachers regarding procedures to be followed on an e-learning day, which will include how to navigate online platforms, access assignments/activities, and the expectations for work completion.
Staff Training:
- A staff meeting will be held annually to review e-learning procedures and expectations for staff.
- An e-learning simulation will be performed to provide staff and students an opportunity to practice / prepare for a potential e-learning day.
- The district technology department will be available to assist staff in need of additional training.
Staff Access to Technology:
- All teachers have district-provided laptops.
- The district provides all staff who are expected to participate in e-learning activities with the necessary hardware and access to online platforms.
Other Considerations for Non-Certified Staff:
- Non-certified staff should be available via email during e-learning schedule hours to respond to any teacher, students, parent, or administrator.
- Building secretaries will monitor students' attendance by building and reach out to families regarding student absences.
- Supervisors will indicate what tasks should be completed during an e-learning day.
Collective Bargaining Provision:
- Union leadership was consulted when revising the e-learning plan, and documentation of their approval is included in the application.
Future Revisions:
- The e-learning plan will be reviewed annually prior to being implemented in a given school year.