Students may elect to participate in a remote learning alternative should families decide that the current situation related to COVID-19 puts their child at too much of a risk to return to in-person instruction. We fully appreciate that parents are faced with an exceptionally difficult decision when considering their child's school participation this fall. We have developed a remote learning plan that we believe will provide students with the best alternative possible, considering the current context related to COVID-19. A complete curriculum that is designed for virtual learning is our best option for ensuring students who choose this due to safety concerns have access to instruction that is as close as possible to returning to in-person instruction.
The Remote Learning curriculum for all levels will be a separate, yet consistent, curriculum as our in person students will receive. In grades K-5, iPad compatible, Edgenuity Pathblazer is the selected program due to its focus on accelerating achievement for all students. In grades 6-12, MacBook compatible, Edmentum Courseware is the selected program. FTIS has implemented Edmentum courseware in recent years, so there is familiarity with the program and its options. It provides a comparable solution for this year for the families needing to choose an out-of -school building experience.
We fully intend to group students into age-appropriate levels when assigning them to remote teachers. We cannot confirm student-teacher assignments until we verify student participation counts and complete a full inventory of FTIS teachers available to fulfill remote instructor roles. Students involved in Remote Learning will be notified of their remote teacher assignments before the first day of school.
The expectation will be that remote learners meet virtually (through Microsoft Teams) in a one-on-one and/or small group basis (regularly) to establish a relationship and build connectedness while not being on site at their particular school. Remote instructors will monitor progress and provide support. Furthermore, a support team at each school, including the School Counselors, will also have regular outreach to remote learners for social emotional learning and socialization opportunities. For in person and remote learners, Schoology and Seesaw will still be used for school-to-home communication
Remote learning will be a full-time commitment, as we expect that students will work during regular school day hours (upwards of 4 hours per day is recommended), and it will provide an experience as close to the in-person instructional model as possible from a learning standpoint. Remote teachers will be available to our remote learners during regular school day hours and students in this model will be expected to attend some virtual meetings that are scheduled during the school day hours.
Students participating in Remote Learning will be committed to this placement for one semester. After the first semester, families may re-evaluate their student's placement for the remainder of the year.
As FTIS planned for school reopening during the COVID19 pandemic, particular consideration was given to the needs of unique learners. Admissions and Release Committees (ARC’s) are responsible for ensuring that each student with an Individual Education Program (IEP) has access to the appropriate placements, specially designed instruction, supplementary aides and services, accommodations and modifications and any other supports necessary to receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). Due to the individualized nature of meeting the needs of exceptional children, there will be no overarching changes to accommodations or unilateral policy changes for all students with disabilities. However, families who choose remote learning for their students with unique needs should expect the following procedures to be in place.