FAQs: PPS Distance Learning

Many of the questions we have received can be answered by reviewing the PPS Distance Learning Model. Below is a list of additional questions and answers.

What is the timeline for distance learning?

Beginning April 6th, new content lessons will go live every Monday on the Distance Learning Hub or in your student's google classroom. These lessons will become available a week at a time to assist families who share devices and our working parents/guardians. The lessons are developed by teachers in our district based on grade level standards. For early childhood and elementary students, many assignments and activities will be focused on the review of important skills. Lessons are meant to be engaging for students. Secondary students will access assignments through their usual google classroom for each teacher. These lessons will cover review topics as well as fourth quarter standards. Distance learning will take place from April 6th until May 15th.

Does my student need a login to access the new PPS Distance Learning Hub?

No, the dashboard is website based. There are some resources that will require a login and password. For those specific accounts, your student should have their login and password, or it will be included in the lesson instructions in Google Classroom.

How much time each day should be spent on continuous learning?

Every family is different, but there is no expectation that a student should spend 5 to 6 hours on a device or watching lessons daily. We are trying to keep every lesson to about a 30-45 minute time frame. To gain a better idea on expectations of students, parents and teachers, please review the PPS Distance Learning Model.

Total expected time for daily academic learning by grade level:

Pre-K - 4th grade: 90 - 120 mins.

5th - 12th grade: 120 -160 mins.

What if I don’t have a device for my elementary student?

Thank you for all who completed our technology survey. Our team of technology experts is in the process of scheduling device check-outs. If your student is without a device, please contact our IT department, at help@piedmontschools.org.

How do I work from home and teach at home?

This is an incredibly hard task that even our own educators are facing as they try to attend to their school responsibilities while watching their own children at the same time. While there is no simple answer to this, we first suggest that you focus on what is realistic and what works for your family. If you are working from home, you cannot do two roles at once. Schedule the time that you work and then time that you spend with your children. The content that we are developing for learning is based on resources and makes lessons available. Most activities should be a review of already introduced content. Every effort is made to create engaging lessons that include active learning, games, and open-ended assignments that allow for your child's creativity. You don’t have to be the teacher. You just need to facilitate. This might include giving your child a choice of three or four activities and getting them started. Then, you can spend some time on your work.

What if I can’t afford wifi in my home?

Many internet providers are offering free internet at this time specifically for families who qualify for free and reduced lunches. To see if you qualify for free and reduced lunch status, thus qualifying your family for discounted services, apply by contacting Cox Cable, AT&T, Verizon, etc.

I am getting emails from various programs offering our family free learning products. How do I know which ones are good?

We suggest you stick with the programs that we have included on the E-Resources for Learning.

Why should my children participate in distance learning if they are not going to receive a grade for participating?

To stop learning now would likely mean a regression in skills that would have to be relearned next year. By participating in distance learning, students will continue to learn and grow academically and will be better prepared for the start of the 2020-2021 school year.

Since state testing is waived, how will my third-grade student meet the requirements of the Reading Sufficiency Act (RSA)?

As a result of the cancellation of the third grade ELA test, the district will be using data collected from screening, diagnostic, and progress monitoring assessments prior to March 16, 2020, to make promotion and retention decisions. For students who do not qualify for automatic promotion based on prior assessments or under a good cause exemption, a Student Reading Proficiency Team (SRPT) will be convened virtually to make decisions about promotion or retention.

I have an 8th-grade student. How will they receive their letter of English proficiency so that they can obtain their driving permit?

While Oklahoma law requires students to successfully complete the reading portion of the eighth-grade English language arts (ELA) assessment in order to apply for a driver license or permit, the State Board of Education voted on March 25, 2020, to allow the state to provide a medical exemption for this requirement. At this time it is our understanding that this exemption will satisfy the requirements of the law.

Students wishing to take the driver exam should be aware that the Department of Public Safety (DPS) has instituted the following restrictions: all driving skills tests have been canceled; only 10 customers are allowed in an office at one time, and every customer must have an appointment. For further information, call the DPS at 405-425-2424.

Will my high school junior be required to take the U.S. History test?

No, the state Education Department has received a federal waiver for state standardized testing.

Will my child still be able to take the free ACT offered to all juniors?

All state-required testing has been waived for this year. No state testing including the free ACT is going to be given. Keep in mind, if you qualify for free and reduced meals, you can qualify for free ACT testing on the National testing dates. If you need more information on this, email your child’s high school counselor.

Can concurrent enrollment courses continue?

Possibly, depending on arrangements with the particular higher education partner. Concurrent enrollment classes are primarily designed and operated through the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. The State Board of Education decision prohibits instructional activities conducted by or on the property of an accredited public school. This prohibition does not extend to instructional activities by an institution of higher education that is not conducted on the property of an accredited public high school. Concurrent students should contact their concurrent instructor for directions on continuing the concurrent course.

Will classes continue at CV Tech?

All CV Tech campuses are closed for remainder of school year. In an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19, all CV Tech campus buildings will remain closed until further notice. Distance learning for CV Tech students begins on Monday. Head over to their website for more information.

What does this mean for my AP Student?

College Board has adjusted the AP tests and is allowing students to test online at home. College Board is also releasing resources to AP students April 3rd. All of this information and more can be found on the College Board website.

AP teachers will be reaching out to AP students directly to guide them to these resources.

What happens to students eligible for special education services when school is canceled for all students due to COVID-19?

Please visit our Special Services page.