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Teaching & Learning

  • Student needs and equity will be at the center of all school instructional decisions.
  • The district will provide 180 days of instruction for students in grades K-12 and 180 minutes of instruction weekly in delivering instruction aligned to the intermediate and commencement level standards, in all models of instruction, hybrid or in-person utilizing the variety of methods outlined in the NYSED guidance.
  • The school calendar includes staff-only days before students arrive at school. The district will focus these in-service days on providing support to staff in the areas of social-emotional health and technology integration.
  • Superintendent’s Conference Days will also be utilized for student orientation.
  • As we enter the new school year, teachers will be encouraged to spend time building relationships, supporting students with the transition back to school, and teaching social distancing etiquette at developmentally appropriate levels.
  • In a hybrid or remote learning model, certain groups of students will be prioritized for in-person learning to the greatest extent possible. For example, students with IEPs in special class setting will attend school in-person four days a week in the hybrid model.
  • Assessing student learning gaps or areas of need will be critical. Diagnostic tools and/or assessments will be administered to all students.
  • Acknowledging that the typical content in a given grade level or course may need to be adjusted or compacted, content will be prioritized to ensure that students receive instruction for the prioritized learning standards, key understandings, and skills necessary for students’ success in future study.
  • Grading practices will align to typical procedures and will follow a standards-based framework designed to provide direct feedback regarding students’ mastery of course content.
  • All instruction will continue to be aligned to the New York State Learning Standards, with an emphasis on priority and high-frequency standards.
  • Upon reopening, the number of students in each of our classrooms will adhere to CDC/AAP guidance regarding proper social distancing. Class size will reflect the need to ensure that students’ desks/seats are positioned with appropriate social distance.
  • Our schools will minimize movement of students and/or create foot traffic patterns that maximize appropriate social distancing. This potentially means having students eat lunch in their classroom instead of the cafeteria on a rotating basis and eliminating assemblies, field trips and other large-group activities.
  • In the elementary schools, special-area subjects (e.g., art, music, physical education) may be pushed into the classroom. To the extent possible, students will remain in small cohorts if/when leaving the classroom, such as for recess or any necessary transition, so as to reduce their exposure to additional students.
  • Whenever possible students will utilize outside space for physical education instruction. We will adhere to 12 feet between students when engaging in physical activity.
  • For information on school schedules, click here for the Sample School Schedules.

 

Teaching & Learning (Hybrid/Remote)

Given the possibility that communities may experience spikes in COVID-19 cases at any point during the school year, which may prompt short or long-term school closures, our district has developed a hybrid/blended learning model and schedule that can continue as is in a fully remote environment.

  • Remote learning opportunities for students will include a greater emphasis on synchronous instruction, with teachers providing live instruction and lessons to students.
  • Instruction will not only focus on “core” subject areas, to the exclusion of elective courses.
  • Some recorded lessons and project-based learning will be included, particularly in K-5 special areas subjects. At the 6-12 level there will be synchronous instruction for electives with some recorded lessons and project work.
  • Consideration has been given to prioritizing hands-on and lab-based activities while students are onsite in school buildings.
  • All instruction will continue to be aligned to the New York State Learning Standards, with emphasis on priority and high-frequency standards.
  • See Sample Schedules for Hybrid and Remote by building.
  • Student attendance and engagement will be monitored daily.
  • To ensure high-quality remote learning experiences, we will standardize the use of a single online learning platform, to the extent possible, and develop a common, coordinated set of guidelines for teachers to follow when using the platform with students.
  • Grading practices will follow a standards-based framework designed to provide direct feedback regarding students’ mastery of course content.