Teaching and Learning Models Under Consideration

The Evergreen School District's Safe Together Schools Reopening plan approved by the Evergreen Board of Trustees on July 15, 2020 directed staff to develop a hybrid learning model, which is tentatively scheduled to be implemented in January 2021, when students return from Winter Break, depending on whether Santa Clara County is still in a county risk level that allows for schools to be open.

In August 2020, the Governor of California released information about a four-tiered system for counties based on COVID19 test positivity and case rate, for loosening and tightening restrictions. On October 13, 2020, Santa Clara County moved into Tier 3, or orange level. In the orange tier, schools may reopen for in-person instruction based on state and county guidance. First, we want to clarify that the Evergreen School District's timeline to implement the hybrid learning model has not changed, despite the state's revised criteria.

At the same time, we recognize that many steps must be taken before the district can consider in person or hybrid learning. For this reason, the Evergreen School District has begun implementing the following steps:

• Reconvening the Superintendent's Teaching and Learning in Safe Environments Advisory Committee (TLSEAC) to review and discuss the county guidelines and hybrid model. This committee has 89 members, including ESD staff from all bargaining units, administrators, staff members and parents. The charge of the committee is to address four Guiding Principles: health and safety, flexibility, students' social emotional well-being, and learning;
• District staff continues to assess readiness for opening schools based on the California Department of Public Health guidelines;
• District leaders will be meeting with student representatives to include their input in this process;
• District leaders are meeting with representatives of the two bargaining units for their input and feedback from their members; and
• Parents have been surveyed to determine their preferences and level of comfort with returning their child to campus in the hybrid model.

More information about this process and timeline can be found here.

When opening our schools to hybrid or in-person instruction, the Evergreen School District will focus on prioritizing the health and safety of our staff and students, including physical distancing requirements, recommended safety procedures, and infection control protocols. Our schools' teaching and learning plans will also take into consideration matters of equity concerning our families. Additionally, the district will also need to consider flexible learning options for students who are not able to return to campus while the pandemic is still present. Guidelines that will influence our plans include:

• COVID-19 Industry Guidance - Schools and School Based Programs, California Department of Health, July 17, 2020
• COVID-19 Prepared: Reopening Santa Clara County K-12 Schools for the 2020-2021 School Year
• California Department of Education Coronavirus Resource and Reopening Guidance
• CDC School Reopening Flowchart

The following are descriptions of the 2020-21 teaching and learning models under consideration.

Learning Models Descriptions

Blended or Hybrid Learning (with Social Distancing)

A blend of distance education and on-campus, classroom instruction, to achieve having fewer students on campus in order to ensure six feet of social distancing in the classroom and on campus.

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Full Online Distance Learning

Evergreen School District is currently providing full distance learning. Curriculum and instruction are delivered in a 100% distance education format, which can include using online instruction, online class meetings, online exams, and online submission of projects and assignments. Key factors to be considered with this model:

• Student Social Emotional Supports: 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.
• High Quality Instruction: We will provide the professional development and necessary tools teachers need to deliver high quality, standards-based instruction.
• Student Engagement : 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.
• Student Learning, Assessment, and Support: 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.

More information can be found on our Distance Learning webpage.

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Home Schooling

To support to parents/caregivers who have chosen to provide home schooling for their children, in order to provide the best individualized learning environment for their child, and to build a community of learners by supporting parents/caregivers with instructional resources, small group instruction, tutorials, and enrichment activities to ensure that students meet California State Content Standards.

Evergreen School District provides homeschooling support to families through its Virtual Pathways (1-6 grade) and Pods4Learning (TK & K) program.

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