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A brief overview of ACSD’s remote learning plan

Addison Central School District students are learning in different environment now that school buildings are closed but education is continuing.
Here’s a brief overview of the distance learning program, as described on acsdvt.org:
•  At the elementary level, the ACSD remote curriculum emphasizes social-emotional well-being, math, literacy, and inquiry. Remote learning time: For Pre-K and kindergartners: 30-90 minutes a day, or 2.5-7.5 hours per week; for grades 1-6, a recommended one to two hours per day, or 5-10 hours per week.
•  At the middle and high school levels, teachers are focusing on “clearly communicated learning targets and proficiencies,” according to ACSD guidelines. All assessment of work through distance learning will be considered “formative”; scores will be used to raise student grades from the pre-closure period, not to lower them. Students who don’t participate in remote learning will receive an “incomplete” for the quarter and the overall year. 
Remote learning time: 90-180 minutes a day, or 7.5-15 hours per week for grades 7-8; and 150-240 minutes per day, or 12.5-20 hours per week for grades 9-12.
For grades K-12, the primary communication platform is Google Classroom. Weekly plans, assignment details, and resources are posted there. Students submit work through Google Classroom, and teachers provide feedback. For younger grades (especially K-2), parents play an important role in accessing Google Classrooms. For Pre-K, the primary communication platform is a Google Sites. In some cases, paper packets and other physical materials are sent home (especially where families have limited Internet connectivity, where this is an appropriate and necessary academic accommodation). 
Students who need clarification or extra help can catch their teachers remotely during their office hours. There are remote class meetings.
In some cases, paper packets and other physical materials are being sent home to students — primarily those in homes without internet access. ACSD Superintendent Peter Burrows estimated about 2% of enrollees fall into that category.
“We’re using all avenues we have to keep people connected,” he said.
The ACSD loaned more than 400 Chromebook laptop computers to district children who needed one for remote learning. The district is also providing tech support to families having Internet connection challenges.
“In this time where one day seems to be blending into the next one, it provides structure that is really important for students and families,” Burrows said. “With the inability to bring students to school, parents and guardians are taking a different role in supporting student learning than they did before. Our plan recognizes that, and we are providing support and resources for them to support their children. It’s a real team effort.”

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