The A.E.R.O. e-Learning Plan has been developed in compliance with Public Act 101-0012.  Under this legislation, a local school district or cooperative must adopt an e-Learning plan by Board resolution and obtain approval from the local Regional Office of Education before utilizing an emergency day.  Public Act 101-0012 grants school districts across the state the flexibility to implement e-Learning days in place of emergency days, ensuring continuity of instruction beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Designed specifically for students with disabilities, the A.E.R.O. e-Learning Plan includes activities that promote progress toward their annual goals and objectives while prioritizing the health, safety, and well-being of both students and staff.

We sincerely appreciate the ongoing support and commitment of the A.E.R.O. Governing Board and the A.E.R.O. Executive Board in advancing educational opportunities for learners with diverse abilities.

Benefits of utilizing e-Learning for emergency days:

• Prioritizes the safety of students and staff during inclement weather or health-related closures.

• Preserves the school calendar by eliminating the need to extend the academic year with emergency make-up days.

• Ensures continuity of learning and essential student services without unexpected disruptions.

• Strengthens collaboration between school and families to support skill generalization in the home environment.

• Encourages flexible, digital-age learning that extends beyond the traditional classroom setting.

A.E.R.O. e-Learning Program Goals:

The A.E.R.O. e-Learning Plan serves as a comprehensive framework for delivering a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to A.E.R.O. students during emergency school closures.

• Leverage internet access, digital learning platforms, electronic devices, and other communication tools to facilitate instruction and meaningful interaction between teachers and students.

• Integrate both digital and print learning experiences, utilizing a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities. The e-Learning plan includes a minimum of 2.5 hours of synchronous instruction for students in Kindergarten-Post High School, ensuring real-time engagement between students and their teachers. Early childhood students will access developmentally appropriate asynchronous learning opportunities planned by Early Childhood teachers and related service providers. 

• Align learning opportunities with students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Students receiving direct related services will participate in activities provided by their service providers (e.g., occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy) on e-Learning days.

• Provide comprehensive training for staff and students to ensure effective participation in e-Learning.

• Equip all teachers and staff involved in e-Learning with the necessary hardware and software to support instructional delivery.

• Require A.E.R.O. employees to provide remote instruction and services from their homes unless otherwise directed by A.E.R.O. Administration.

e-Learning Day Timelines:

• Staff Work Hours: A.E.R.O. staff will maintain their regular work hours of 8:15 AM – 3:15 PM. Staff at outlying sites will follow their usual schedules.

• Advance Notification: Whenever possible, students and staff will be informed of a potential e-Learning day before the end of the preceding school day.

• Device Preparation: Students will be reminded to bring home their assigned devices (iPads and/or Chromebooks).

• Morning Notification: By 5:30 AM on the day of a closure, all staff and families will be notified through email, the A.E.R.O. website, and social media. Parents/guardians will also receive an e-Learning day notification via Parent Square.

• Lesson Availability: By 9:00 AM, all lessons will be posted in Google Classroom or a Google Site.

• Student Engagement: By 9:00 AM, students should log in and/or begin working on their assigned activities.

• Teacher Support: From 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, staff will be available to support students through virtual meetings and email communication.

• Work Submission: Upon returning to school, all student work from the e-Learning day must be completed and submitted to teachers.

Student Expectations for e-Learning Days:

• Reporting Absences: Families must report student absences by 8:30 AM using the Parent Square app or by emailing the classroom teacher.

• Attendance: Students will be marked present unless an absence is reported by 9:00 AM.

• Accessing Assignments: By 9:00 AM, students can access their work either electronically through the e-Learning website or via a paper packet, if provided.

• Completing and Submitting Work: Students should complete assignments and submit them by the deadline set by their teacher.

• Communication with Teachers: Students can reach out to their teachers via email or through electronic platforms such as the REMIND app, depending on the teacher’s preferred method.

• For Students Without Internet Access: Completed work can be returned in person to the A.E.R.O. Therapeutic Center on the next day of in-person instruction.

Teacher Expectations for e-Learning Days:

• Curriculum and Assignment Preparation: Teachers will develop and provide electronic coursework and assignments for each e-Learning day, using technologies with which students are already familiar.

• Accommodating Paper Material Requests: If a parent requests paper materials, teachers must notify their direct supervisor and submit the necessary resources via email within 24 hours to allow for copying and distribution.

• Instructional Alignment: All assignments should align with the course curriculum by having clearly defined Learning Targets and/or support students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.

Expectations for Adapted PE, Art, and Music Teachers on e-Learning Days:

• Lesson Planning & Communication:

  • Provide a clear and engaging e-Learning plan to classroom teachers before 9:00 AM.

  • Ensure activities are accessible, adaptable, and aligned with student needs.

  • Include simple instructions for students to complete activities independently at home.

• Availability & Support

  • Be available via email during regular work hours to respond to questions.

  • Attend virtual meetings if requested by administration or teams.

Expectations for Paraprofessionals:

Paraprofessionals play a vital role in the daily instruction of students with IEPs. It is essential during an e-Learning day that these professionals are included in the daily learning activities of our students. A.E.R.O. paraprofessionals should work under the direction of the classroom teacher and may contribute to remote/virtual instruction in the following ways:

• Supporting Student Learning: Assist students in accessing and engaging with instructional materials as directed by the classroom teacher.

• Facilitating Instructional Activities: Participate in synchronous learning sessions and provide student support during virtual instruction, as requested by the teacher.

• Assisting with Parent Meetings: Attend and contribute to parent meetings, as requested by the teacher or related service staff.

• Supporting Related Services: Help implement activities and strategies designed by related service professionals (e.g., occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy) to support student learning.

• Collecting Student Data: Gather and document student progress data as directed by the classroom teacher or related service providers.

Expectations for Related Service Providers and Paraprofessionals:

• Availability and Support: Related service providers and paraprofessionals will be available from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM to provide additional resources and activities in support of classroom teachers.

• Data Collection and Documentation: Continue gathering information for upcoming eligibility meetings and annual IEP reviews.

• Meeting Participation: Attend and contribute to phone conference/virtual meetings as needed, as directed by the immediate supervisor.

Nurse Expectations:

• Availability and Communication: Nurses will be available from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM to respond to health-related questions and concerns from staff, parents, and families.

• Contact Information: Nurses can be reached at schoolnursesclassroom@aerod806.org for inquiries and support.

• Data Collection and Documentation: Continue gathering and updating health-related information for upcoming eligibility meetings and annual reviews.

• Meeting Participation: Attend and contribute to phone conference/virtual meetings as needed, as directed by the immediate supervisor.

Required Statement of Assurances:

• Collective Bargaining Provision: The A.E.R.O. Education Association (AEA) was consulted and documentation of approval is included in the application.

• Future Revisions: The A.E.R.O. e-Learning Plan will be reviewed annually and prior to implementation in a given school year.

• Ensure and verify at least 5 clock hours of instruction or school work, as required under ILCS 105 Section 10‐19.05, for each student participating in an e‐learning day.

• Assurance that there is access from home or other appropriate remote facility for all students participating, including computers, the Internet, and other forms of electronic communication that must be utilized in the proposed program.

• A.E.R.O. has provided electronic devices to staff.

• To the extent to which student participation is within the student's control as to the time, pace, and means of learning.  Each student is learning at their own pace. Each student's instructional plans are guided by his/her teacher and monitored. All instructional staff including related services are working from 8:15am to 3:15pm each day. Outlying sites will be expected to work their regular hours.

• Provide effective notice to students and their parents or guardians of the use of a particular day(s) for e‐Learning.