Graham ISD releases instruction options in return to school plan
This fall, Graham ISD will be implementing two models for instructions which are available now for enrollment through the Skyward Family Access system. All students who were enrolled with GISD for the 2019-2020 school year must re-enroll for the 2020-2021 school year using the registration portal, while new students must complete new student registration at each campus.
The district’s plan will follow recommendations for opening provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Texas Education Agency and state and local health officials, according to the return to school plan released by the district Friday. The two modes of instruction are in-person school, which is a traditional school learning model, or remote instruction.
“In early August, Graham ISD will be providing an Instructional Plan separate of this document that provides a thorough description and procedures associated with the Remote Instruction/Learning model available to students as we begin the 2020-21 school year,” the district wrote in the plan.
In the plan the district wrote that it will be providing consistency across face-to-face or remote instruction, with teachers planning instruction that is consistent across both mediums to make an equal learning experience for all students.
“Grading for all remote courses will follow the same grading policy as the courses in the face-to-face model. Likewise, all classrooms within a grade level will provide the same assignments for both face-to-face and remote learning. GISD Remote Instruction and Learning courses that earn high school credit will count in GPA calculation and class rank as specified in GISD Board Policy,” the district wrote in the plan.
Students who begin the year in face-to-face learning at a campus can move into remote learning for a period of time if needed for school closure due to student or staff illness, quarantine, or county or state regulations. Both instruction methods will use Google Classroom and provide similar expectations with coursework and following the same grading guidelines.
Face-to-Face learning
In this mode of instruction, students and teachers will attend class in-person for five days a week with additional safety measures which align with state and federal guidelines and recommendations including compliance with Gov. Greg Abbott’s Executive Orders.
“In this setting, teachers will provide face-to-face instruction, learning resources, and support utilizing Google Classroom (Grades 4-12) and/or packets (Grades PK-5) where developmentally appropriate,” the district wrote in the plan.
Teachers will also be planning instruction that is transferable from the face-to-face model to remote in the event of temporary school closure due to COVID-19. There will be district directed and campus-specific safety procedures which will be implemented.
Assessments in this model will be traditional such as formative and unit assessments for all grade levels as well as checkpoint assessments for the STAAR/EOC tested grade levels. Sixth grade through seniors will be assigned schedules based on course selections made last spring.
Remote Instruction, learning
In this mode of instruction, teachers will teach students from their classrooms or other GISD facilities and will provide instructions, learning resources and support through Google Classroom. The district in the plan wrote that parents will support students as a “learning coach” by ensuring they have access to a device, place to work and are engaged in virtual learning activities.
“We will ensure open lines of communication between teachers, students, and parents, as we work together to ensure each student, is academically and socially-emotionally future-ready,” the district wrote in the plan.
Teachers will use the same curriculum for students who attend face-to-face instruction while keeping grading consistent with the guidelines and practices used. Student assessments will mirror the face-to-face method with formative and unit assessments for all grade levels as well as checkpoint assessments for the STAAR/EOC tested grade levels.
“While in a remote learning environment, time management is critical to success. Students and teachers must remain in communication regarding daily schedules and assignments. As with any traditional course, there is a risk of receiving a lower grade if a student falls behind. If students are struggling with time management, then the parent or student should contact the teacher for additional assistance,” the district wrote in the plan.
For the rest of the story, see the Aug. 5 edition of The Graham Leader.
