Remote Learning Plan

Remote Learning

The purpose of remote learning is to provide a sense of continuity during this extraordinary and unsettling time. It remains important to keep in perspective that it is not possible to substitute learning at home for all of the instruction that takes place in a comprehensive PK-12 school district. The purpose of remote learning in the Nashoba Regional School District will be to engage students in deeper learning with a focus on developing long-term skills.

Remote Learning Guidance

The following principles will guide teachers’ instructional decisions throughout the year:

Focus on deeper dives into learning. Learning will focus on reinforcing skills already taught this school year and applying and deepening these skills. In some cases, teachers and students may wish to continue with additional essential concepts and skills. In these cases, teachers should consider equity of access and support for all students. Educators should focus on developing skills that are the most critical to students’ long-term success.

Engage and challenge students in new ways. Remote learning is not synonymous with online learning. Remote learning can take place in a multitude of ways, including by helping students engage with resources in their everyday lives and in the natural world around them. Remote learning also provides unique opportunities to further engage students in the arts or interdisciplinary work. Finally, please be conscious of the effects of increased screen time and seek balance between learning through technology and remote learning that happens offline to support students’ curiosity and understanding (Riley). Now is the time to try that thing we’ve always wanted to do that we know will excite students and bring joy to learning.

Support student choice/student agency. Design lessons and activities to include options for students. Examples include, a menu of choices, a variety of materials and resources to choose from, different lengths of activities, and tapping into different learning styles and modalities.

Differentiate. Consistently consider the process, product, pacing, and resources in lessons and activities to ensure all students can partake in some way.

Communicate with students, with parents and with each other. This can take the form of email, Google docs, via Google Classroom if staff are using that already. GoogleMeet, Google Hangout and telephone communication are also options. Reach out and support one another. Sustaining relationships and connections are key objectives, and will get us through these hard times.

Feedback for Student Learning. Communication also includes feedback on student learning. The emphasis is on providing feedback on student work instead of on traditional grading (see Instructional Model to read more about feedback and grading).