Middle School (6-8) FULL-Remote Learning
Overview
Middle school schedules will be based on an eight period day to ensure that students are able to transition between full-remote learning and in-person learning, keeping the same teachers and cohort classmates. If we transition to the AM/PM Blended model, classrooms will be split into AM and PM cohorts. This framework allows students to remain with their teachers, as well as a portion of their classmates, regardless of the model used.
The instructional day for middle school students is approximately 5 hours per day.
The total number of instructional minutes per week are the same for students in Grades 6 - 8; however, synchronous/asynchronous percentages differ. Any variance between Grades 6 & 7 and Grade 8 exists due to the inclusion of Spanish as a core content area in Grade 8.
Students receive:
Synchronous instruction in English Language Arts, math, social studies, science, Spanish (Grade 8 only), as well as physical education, fine and practical arts, and instrumental music instruction (for students who participate) throughout the week
Asynchronous learning will balance and enrich the overall program throughout the week.
Schedule:
Each instructional day begins with an advisory meeting from 8:45-9:15 a.m.
Synchronous instruction for middle school students will conclude by 12:45 p.m. Additional teacher office hours will be offered between 2:30-3:15 p.m. on Monday-Thursday.
Page Contents
(Click to jump to section)
Week #1: Student and Parent Support
Emphasis on:
Learning tools and skills for online learning (i.e., Seesaw, Khan Academy, and Unique Learning Systems)
Chromebook distribution
Tech support
Supply pick up to support at home learning
Social-emotional check-in
Parent meetings to establish framework with families
Initial classroom meetings
Week #2 and Beyond: New Learning
Advisory
Synchronous activity examples
Teacher check-in
Social-emotional learning
Community building
Building oracy (language development); listening; & speaking
6 & 7 = 30 min/day - 5x/week
8 = 30 min/day - 5x/week
Asynchronous activity examples
None
English Language Arts
Synchronous activity examples
Whole group instruction
Small group instruction
Independent work time
1:1 conferences
Assessment
6 & 7 = 45 min/day - 4x/week
8 = 45 min/day - 4x/week
Asynchronous activity examples
Daily video lesson
Formative assessment / entrance ticket
Independent work time
Group work for projects
Assessment
6 & 7 = 10 min/day - 4x/week
8 = 10 min/day - 4x/week
Math
Synchronous activity examples
Whole group instruction
Small group instruction
Independent work time
1:1 conferences
Problem Solving
Assessment
6 & 7 = 45 min/day - 4x/week
8 = 45 min/day - 2x/week
Asynchronous activity examples
Daily video lesson
Formative assessment / entrance ticket
Independent work time
Fluency building activities
Assessment
6 & 7 = 10 min/day - 4x/week
8 = 10 min/day - 4x/week
Social Studies
Synchronous activity examples
Project guidance & check-in
Whole group instruction
Small group instruction
Independent work time
1:1 conferences
Group work for projects
Assessment
6 & 7 = 45 min/day - 2x/week
8 = 45 min/day - 2x/week
Asynchronous activity examples
Daily video or lesson
Formative assessment / entrance ticket
Independent work time
Group work for projects
Assessment
6 & 7 = 25 min/day - 4x/week
8 = 15 min/day - 4x/week
Science
Synchronous activity examples
Project guidance & check-in
Science demonstration
Whole group instruction
Small group instruction
Independent work time
1:1 conferences
Group work for projects
Assessment
6 & 7 = 45 min/day - 2x/week
8 = 45 min/day - 2x/week
Asynchronous activity examples
Daily video, lesson, or science demonstration
Formative assessment / entrance ticket
Independent work time
Group work for projects
Assessment
6 & 7 = 25 min/day - 4x/week
8 = 15 min/day - 4x/week
Spanish
Synchronous activity examples
Project guidance & check-in
Whole group instruction
Small group instruction
Independent work time
1:1 conferences
Group work for projects
Assessment
8 = 30 min/day - 2x/week
Asynchronous activity examples
Daily video lesson
Formative assessment / entrance ticket
Independent work time
Practice to build fluency and develop proper pronunciation
Assessment
8 = 25 min/day - 4x/week
Physical Education
Synchronous activity examples
Project launch and wrap-up
6 & 7 = 30 min/day - 1x/week
8 = 30 min/day - 1x/week
Asynchronous activity examples
Project lessons and videos
1:1 conferences
Group work for projects
6 & 7 = 205 min/week
8 = 185 min/week
Fine and Practical Arts
Synchronous activity examples
Project launch and wrap-up
6 & 7 = 30 min/day - 1x/week
8 = 30 min/day - 1x/week
Asynchronous activity examples
Project lessons and videos
1:1 conferences
Group work for projects
6 & 7 = 205 min/week
8 = 185 min/week
Individualized Education Program (IEP) Resource Services*
Synchronous activity examples
Teacher delivered small group intervention time appropriate to meet individual student goals
Small group breakout sessions as needed to address needs for students in co-taught sections
Asynchronous activity examples
Digital and non-digital intervention activities appropriate to meet individual student goals
Related Services*
Synchronous activity examples
Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Social Work, and Itinerant Services as required by IEPs
Asynchronous activity examples
Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Social Work, and Itinerant Services as required by IEPs
*Please note that all services and support for Special Education students will be determined and detailed in a Remote Learning Plan created by the student’s IEP team.
Self-Paced Remote Learning Option
District 45 will offer a self-paced remote learning plan for families who do not have the ability to participate in the synchronous plan. If you would like to learn about this option please send an email to remotelearning@d45.org.
STARS and Multi-Needs Program (K-8)
For parents of children in STARS and Multi-Needs Programs please click here for more information.
Key Definitions
Synchronous learning occurs when there is a scheduled time for the teacher and students to meet virtually and instruction is delivered in real time.
Asynchronous learning occurs when students are working independently at their own pace and time. Learning takes place by accessing information virtually but does not require live or simultaneous interaction with a teacher or class.
General Questions?
District 45 has compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions. Please review this page on the website.