Remote Learning Frequently Asked Questions

Synchronous learning is two or more individuals engaging in learning at the same time (for example, a live teacher-led lesson using a video conference tool). Teachers will take and post attendance as if the student were physically present in the on-campus classroom.

Asynchronous learning occurs at different times, without real-time interaction. Students learn from instruction that is not being delivered live. This method allows the flexibility to earn daily attendance through an approved plan for providing high quality instructional practices with daily engagement measures.

No, a structured schedule will be provided to students indicating required times for participation in approximately 3-4 hours of live, synchronous instruction each day. The schedule will reflect short periods of synchronous learning scheduled throughout the day followed by time for independent, asynchronous learning activities. The schedule will also include breaks and lunch. The schedule may vary by grade, course, or student. A caregiver will need to be available to support younger students in navigating the daily schedule and providing assistance with the learning as needed. For secondary students, the remote learning schedule will follow the same bell schedule for courses as in person learning. Students, teachers, and parents should utilize frequent communication regarding daily schedules and assignments to ensure students are progressing towards mastery of the learning outcomes.

All students are expected to participate in instruction based on regular school hours. Samples of daily schedules are available below: (COMING SOON)

Prekindergarten

Elementary

Middle School

High School

Remote learning this year will follow a regular school day of instruction and assignments. Assignments must be turned in for grading. Students will be given progress reports and report cards after each grading period. It is important for parents and students to maintain ongoing communication with teachers and their school.

To support all students, the district curriculum will highlight academic standards that teachers will consider as they plan to address the potential learning impacts resulting from the school closure. Teachers will use formative assessments and supplemental resources to personalize student learning to address areas of need.

Special education teachers will work with general education teachers, students, and families to minimize barriers a student may experience in a remote learning setting. Our goal is to create multiple means of engagement through IEPs, 504 plans, IAPs to generate student interest and motivation for learning, represent the information and content differently by providing leveled and personalized learning, and provide more affirmative and corrective feedback.

Yes, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) will require daily attendance and participation in remote learning. Students will be required to participate in online classes daily and traditional attendance rules will be enforced. Students are expected to complete assignments on a daily basis to receive attendance for the day. Students will not be allowed to complete all of their assignments on one given day. A student will be considered absent if the student does not engage in the designated live-instruction and/or independent learning activities each day. As per TEA, students must maintain a 90% attendance rate.

Yes, computer devices will be distributed from students’ home campuses for those students who need them. Currently secondary students will be issued a Chromebook or laptop. An order has been placed for additional Chromebooks. Elementary students will be given a Chromebook as soon as they arrive. Pending availability, elementary students will be issued an iPad to engage in remote learning.

Yes, students will be provided with some instructional materials that will vary based on the grade level and coursework of the student. Resources may also be provided digitally. The design of classroom instruction will account for a student’s access to specific instructional materials in the home. Depending on the grade level and content area, workbooks and other materials will be distributed to students.

Yes, families will need to purchase typical school supplies to complete required assignments. Students who are participating in remote learning will need to purchase the necessary listed supplies from the grade level supply list in order to complete their assignments. The links below detail the supplies needed. (COMING SOON)

Elementary Schools

Secondary Schools

The district has identified Google Classroom as the tool to support a consistent learning management system for students across the district. Other resources such as Seesaw, Class Dojo and Nearpod will be utilized to engage students.

Google Classroom helps organize assignments, boosts collaboration, and fosters communication. For those students who choose in person learning, this tool will be used as a digital extension of the classroom. Resources will also be available for parents to learn how to support students in navigating these digital tools.

Overall progress on learning outcomes will be communicated in a “traditional” format using numeric grades and letter grades for early childhood students. Assignments and grades will be entered into Skyward. The expectations for coursework and guidelines for grading in person learning and remote learning will be the same. GPA and class ranking for high school students will be in effect this school year. Parents and students will be given progress reports and report cards.

Yes, all high school courses will be included in calculating GPA and class rank in accordance with EIC (Local) policy.

Yes, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has indicated that STAAR testing will still occur during the 2020-2021 school year, in compliance with state and federal legislation.

Yes, dual credit students will follow Laredo College and TAMIU health and safety requirements when attending dual credit classes. All courses will be made available online.

Yes, students who select remote learning may participate in extracurricular activities if they meet all UIL requirements, are enrolled in the applicable extracurricular course section, and are able to attend on-campus practices and competitions. Students must have their own transportation to and from practices, rehearsals, etc.

Yes, students who select remote learning or in person learning may participate in clubs and/or organizations. Meetings may be held virtually, as applicable. Students must have their own transportation to and from campus.

Yes, guidelines allow students and parents to take meals off campus. Grab and go meals will be made available for students participating in remote learning.

Yes, at this time the Texas Department of State Health Services has not waived the vaccine requirements for students.

Yes, parents and students may contact the school nurse by phone or e-mail during school hours.

Schools will continue to be staffed based upon student enrollment. The staffing for remote learning versus in person learning will be determined by enrollment and student course selections. At both the elementary and secondary levels, some teachers may be designated as teachers for the remote instructional model. However, at the secondary level, some sections in a teacher’s schedule may be designated for remote learning while other sections are designated for in person learning.

Yes, the assignment of students for remote learning will be based on student enrollment. Depending on the available staff, elementary teachers may be designated to teach either remotely or in person.

Yes, due to the scheduling complexities inherent in these two options, parents will be asked to make a commitment for a grading period. Special circumstances that affect a family will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the campus principal. Please note that if a student switches between in person learning and remote learning, the student may not have the same teacher(s) or course schedule, as teachers may or may not be teaching both an in person and a remote learning class.

For current students, parents will complete the commitment form no later than TBD. Upon enrollment, new students will be provided the opportunity to select their instructional model. Commitment form coming soon.

The school will make contact with parents. For elementary students, the assigned homeroom teacher will contact the parent/student near the start of the school year welcoming them to their class.

For secondary students, staff will make adjustments to course schedules placing students in remote learning. A parent/student may be contacted to discuss any applicable scheduling options based on the student’s current course selections.

Yes, resources will be available for parents to learn how to support students in navigating learning through these digital tools. These resources will be available in August. In addition, parents will have access to the Skyward parent portal to view assignment grades. Parent-teacher virtual conferences will also take place.

Yes, more information will be available at a later date.

Yes, all students will have the opportunity to choose in person learning or remote learning.

ARD and 504 meetings will be scheduled on a case by case basis. For students served in special education, the schedule of instructional and related services should be accurately documented in the ARD/IEP to reflect the supports and services the student requires for FAPE. A parent/guardian may request an ARD or 504 meeting at any time.

Contact your campus to request a meeting to discuss your concerns.

Yes, if your student requires an initial or re-evaluation, the parent/guardian will be contacted to discuss the evaluation and determine components that can be completed virtually versus those components that require face-to-face interaction. Appointments with evaluation staff will be scheduled at the campus to complete face-to-face components.