Daily Schedule for Remote Learning

Long Term Remote Schedule

This is the schedule that we'll begin the year in. Likewise, if we are out for a longer stretch of time, we'll move into this schedule to create a sustainable rhythm for academic engagement. Research shows that for extended periods of remote learning, we do best when we strike a balance between synchronous and asynchronous work. In fact, we're looking for sustained engagement through dialogue (discussion and connection between peers and teachers) and structure (a teacher's ability to assess and respond to individual and class instructional needs).

Philosophy of the Long Term Remote Schedule

You'll likely notice some differences in this remote schedule from the schedule we used in the spring. Given our reflection on the spring and the feedback from students, families and faculty, we're increasing instructional time and utilizing all 5 days of the week for classes.

The schedule we've assembled is modeled after the instructional design found in Malone School Online Network (MSON) courses. These courses have about 2 hours of direct contact time with faculty/peers and expect contribution of about 2 hours of out-of-class time. In totality, the schedule should have students engaged in about 22-26 hours of academic pursuits per week.

One of the elements that we're going to continually ask our students to do is communicate directly with faculty if they're not getting enough of the academic challenge that they hope for or if the pace and demands of the schedule are too daunting.

Key Features of the Remote Learning Schedule

• Classes 5 days per week

• Advisory begins the day at 8:30 A.M.

• Fridays are days for students to touch base with teachers in a short class sessions before the weekend.

• Elective courses and core academic courses carry the same amount of time given their equal import.

• Office hours are located at several times throughout the week to encourage students to set appointments with their teachers.

Explaining a Course Load

Students at USN will take 5 academic courses plus at least 1 elective (Elective 1, Elective 2, a regular block, or perhaps X Block). Most every student will have 6 courses (some seniors will opt for 5 in their senior year, first semester). This year, to accommodate for remote learning and in-person learning scheduling, we've created a 9-block schedule. Students will have up to 3 periods that are unscheduled. These are the times we've designated for students to get work done both now and once we start to move back into the building. They don't have commitments at those times per se, aside from scheduling office hours, group project meetings, club or organizational meetings, or an individual work session.