From Strong Roots Grow Bright Futures
Distance Learning
The Evergreen School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved a full online distance learning model to commence the 2020-21 school year, which began August 19, 2020. On December 6, 2020, the Board of Trustees approved continuing distance learning for its TK-8 students and bringing back small stable cohorts for targeted vulnerable and at risk student groups for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.
With full online distance learning, curriculum and instruction is delivered in a 100% distance education format, which uses online instruction, online class meetings, online exams, and online submission of projects and assignments. Read more about what you can expect during this school year.
Key factors incorporated in this model:
We will address the social and emotional needs of students, considering that many students may be experiencing trauma or anxiety about being away from friends and teachers.
We will provide the professional development and necessary tools teachers need to deliver high quality, standards-based instruction.
We will provide structures for learning that maximize student learning and achievement. We will provide access to all students. We will provide additional support to struggling students.
Students will be assessed and assessment data results will be used to identify students who need additional support. Student Learning Intervention Supports will be provided to struggling students. In addition to the online class meetings, teachers will be available to respond to individual students daily, providing real-time support and progress monitoring.
Students will maintain their enrollment status at their brick and mortar school and will have the option to transition back to their schools when they re-open for hybrid learning
All core subjects will be available through distance learning; however, because not all electives can be provided through an online environment, secondary elective offerings will be limited. Teachers will meet with students daily and utilize web conferencing technology to provide direct instruction, administer checks for understanding, and assist students with their assignments. The daily student-teacher interactions will provide a structure similar to a classroom setting and teachers will facilitate and guide student learning.
School schedules will closely mirror the traditional school schedules for Preschool-8th grade. Schedule drafts are being created based on distance learning requirements, incorporate consistency and engagement, uphold high standards of instruction aligned with California State Standards, and respond to grade-level student needs. School schedules for students with special needs and English Language learners are also being developed. Sample draft school schedules can be found in Dr. Flores’s July 15, 2020 presentation to the Board of Education (note: these are not final, and are subject to change)
Grab and go meals will be available throughout the school year, and additional information about the pick up schedule and locations will be provided at a later date.
Accountability: Senate Bill 98 Distance Learning Requirements
In developing the distance learning plans, Evergreen School District will be following the requirements outlined in SB 98:
Daily Live Interaction Requirement
Under SB 98, there must be daily live interaction with teachers and peers for purposes of instruction, progress monitoring, and maintaining school connectedness.
Taking Student Attendance
SB 98 creates requirements for reporting attendance during distance learning. Schools must take students' attendance and participation under distance learning, or risk losing state funding. Students who don't participate will factor into school's chronic absenteeism figures, and schools will be required to prevent disengagement with a re-engagement plan, as described below.
Preventing Disengagement
SB 98 defines daily participation & requires Districts to develop a re-engagement plan if a student misses more than 60% of their weekly participation rate.
Student attendance is not optional.
EESD will make every effort to ensure student participation, including making home visits, if necessary.
Daily Instructional Minutes
SB 98 defines the daily required instructional minutes at each grade level:
- 3 hours per day for Kindergarten
- 3 hours, 50 minutes for grades 1-3
- 4 hours for grades 4-12
School schedules will reflect the required instructional minutes.
Instructional Content
Under SB 98 distance learning must include high quality content aligned to California grade level standards.
Teachers must deliver academic and other supports designed to address the needs of students who are performing below grade level, or need support in other areas.
Serving Students With Special Needs
SB 98 requires that schools have to provide the accommodations necessary to serve students with special needs.
Students with special needs are to receive special education related services and any other services required by a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP)During distance learning daily instruction time. Special Education staff will provide services using a variety of different strategies and online platforms based on individual needs.
Students who receive their educational services in a mainstream environment may receive their services in a schedule similar to other students in the grade span model.
Ensuring Students and Families' Connectivity
Under SB 98, schools will have to ensure that students and families have the devices and connectivity necessary to participate in distance learning, or make accommodations if they do not. Evergreen School District will provide internet hot spots for students and families that do not have internet service. All students will have a Chrome book or iPad.
Weekly Engagement Records
SB 98 mandates that schools keep weekly engagement records noting how much synchronous (live) or asynchronous (activities, assignments, non-live instruction) instruction a student has received.
Accountability Plans
SB 98 requires that schools team up with parents and teachers to create a Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan by Sept. 30, replacing schools' usual annual planning documents.
Evergreen School District
- 3188 Quimby Road
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- San Jose, CA 95148
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- Phone: 408-270-6800
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- Fax: 408-274-3894
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- info@eesd.org
