Forest Oaks Computer Classroom
Six days after Gov. Kay Ivey announced that schools would be closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year, Shelby County Schools sent out their plan for e-Learning, which will begin Monday, April 6.
The 11 page PowerPoint style document released April 1 explained the eLearning instructional plans for Shelby County Schools for the remainder of the school year.
It began by saying that “one thing that remains unchanged is the district’s dedication to providing quality instructional opportunities for students. In order to ensure that school work does not cause an additional hardship, instruction will look vastly different for the remainder of the school year, and they will work with families and be flexible during this challenging time.”
The goal of the e-Learning plan is to keep students engaged in enrichment activities and facilitate learning for the remaining weeks of the school year, which run from April 6-May 21. Students are expected to participate in these eLearning assignments to reinforce core academic standards and prepare them for the next school year.
The learning will mostly focus on the four core subjects of English Language Arts (reading and writing), math, science and social studies. Enrichment in elective subjects (like art and music) will be provided less frequently.
There will not be a schedule to adhere to, so students can work at their own pace and students in the same family can share a device if needed. Lessons will be posted to Google classroom each Monday and turn them in by Thursday. On Fridays, teachers will provide feedback to students based on the lessons they completed.
Chelsea Park Elementary School Principal Jennifer Galloway said that they are thankful to continue to work with their students for the remainder of the year.
“We know this journey will have some learning curves along the way, but we are excited for the new adventure set before us,” she said. “We want to partner with you to make the transition to digital learning as smooth as possible.”
Instruction will consist of pre-recorded videos of teachers, assignments that can be completed electronically or links provided to an online program. All elementary students will receive their math workbooks and Studies Weekly Magazines, and K-3 will also receive handwriting workbooks.
Students with failing grades at the end of the third quarter will be enrolled in an intervention program in addition to classroom assignments. Shelby County Schools said they are mindful of all accommodations for those with 504 plans, IEPs and I-ELPs.
Seniors who were on track to graduate and in good standing, as of March 13, will be deemed to have met all gradation requirements and may be finished with all coursework. If any seniors want to improve their third quarter grades, they can do so through online assignments.
A survey was sent out last week to assist those who needed Internet access or an electronic device. If those are needed, parents can now contact the school counselor or administrator, as well as any other questions they may have.
“We miss the daily contact with our students, but we know that this path is in the best interest of everyone at the current time,” Galloway said. “Through the digital learning process, we will continue to provide your student with the high quality instruction that you expect and deserve for your child. We will come out of this pandemic stronger than ever before.”