REPORTS TO THE BOARD

Teaching and Learning Report

To: Michael Green

From: Asha Riley

Date: October 19, 2020

Re: Teaching and Learning

K-4 Re-entry Plan:

Based on the recent decline in COVID cases, we are very optimistic that we may be able to begin returning kids to classrooms the week of November 2nd.

As we experienced before, these plans can be impacted significantly by local COVID cases. Therefore, to give ourselves the safest and most successful return of students to classrooms, we are planning a gradual re-entry. 

With safety in mind, we will begin with an A/B model. In this model, we will bring one half of each class in for two full days a week, and continue remote learning the other days. See the sample schedule below. 

Learning to navigate a school environment with the new safety procedures will take intentional, explicit instruction and practice. We can ensure safety if we train our kids well to honor these health and safety practices with fewer kids. We are hopeful that by doing this with essentially one half of the student population at a time, we can continue to safely have students in the buildings, for face to face instruction.

We recognize the relationships students have with their teacher is critical to their educational success. Forming in person relationships is a positive next step in our return to the classroom. Beginning with smaller in person groups will help solidify these positive connections between students and teachers as they have more time in the classroom with fewer kids.

With established safety practices and continued decline in COVID-19 cases, we hope to return all students every day as soon as we can safely do so. 

In preparation for this transition to the classroom, we will be addressing questions and discussing this plan during our upcoming parent conferences the week of October 26th.

There is a Reopening Q&A document that includes helpful details. After reading the Q&A, we are asking parents to take part in this IMPORTANT SURVEY to help us understand how we can continue to partner with families as we return students to classrooms.

Student Hours 8:00-2:30

Naviance Contract Extension:

In an effort to prepare students for career, college, and life, we identified and purchased the Naviance program for our middle and high school students. The program is a robust tool that offers much we were unable to access last spring due to the impacts of our COVID-19 closure. 

After some negotiations, we were able to extend our license without cost for six additional months to make up for the lost time last spring. We also recaptured their consulting time so we can fully invest in implementation this year. As a result, we have been very busy training staff, and mapping out student engagement in the program for the class of 2021 and beyond. To summarize the work thus far, I am very pleased with the progress and excited about the opportunities the program offers students. We are grateful for the continued support of the company. 

Para Ed Fundamental Course of Study Round 2:

The Paraeducator Certificate Program offers statewide standards-based training for all paraeducators and supports a career growth ladder for those who wish to advance their career as a paraeducator or pursue a teaching profession. 

During the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years, school districts are required to provide 28 hours of training on the Fundamental Course of Study (FCS) to paraeducators. This is paid time. 

(*HB115 now requires all paraeducators to complete a Fundamental Course of Study to maintain employment.)

The Fundamental Course of Study is made up of the standards of practice, packaged in 12 units, and is designed to be provided to paraeducators in a 28-hour course over two years.

Last year, our training focused on the following areas:

• Supporting Educational Outcomes 
• Behavior Management and de-escalation techniques
• Roles and Responsibilities
• Communicating Effectively and Participating in Team Processes

This year, our training will focus on the following areas:

• Cultural identity and diversity
• Methods of educational and instructional support
• Using and collecting data
• Positive and Safe Learning Environments

This year, the courses will be primarily delivered virtually in light of our current circumstances.