Online Learning Plan: Week 6 & 7
Middle School
WHPS Online Learning Plan
Dear Middle School Students and Families:
As students begin Weeks 6 and 7 (starting May 4) of the WHPS Online Learning Plan, we send our best wishes for health, happiness, and peace to all members of our community.
In the midst of difficult times, people are reminded to identify silver linings. In response to the prompt, "name one good thing about online learning"- here is what some of our middle school students had to say:
1. You can wear a hat or a hood and no one cares.
2. You can chew gum during lessons.
3. You can pet your dog or cat during lessons.
4. You can work at your own pace.
5. Teachers give more specific feedback on your work.
6. You don't have to stress about late work as long as it gets done.
7. You can get one on one help in the afternoons or on Wednesdays.
8. You don't get distracted by your peers.
9. You don't have social pressure.
10. You have more ownership over the structure of your day.
What are our objectives for Week 6 & 7?
to make connections with each student, monitor needs, and provide appropriate supports
to encourage students to do their personal best as this new environment approaches the two month mark
enhance our online environments to promote student learning, collaboration, and independence
to refine our use of the many interactive online learning tools available and use them effectively to promote learning and engage students' hearts, minds, and bodies
Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions:
The number one question that comes up for middle school students and families each week is: Are students supposed to attend all scheduled Class Meetings?
Yes, students are expected to attend all Class Meetings in Google Meets unless family obligations or illness prevent them from doing so. This expectation extends to all classes including the Unified Arts (music, visual arts technology education, health, and physical education). If a student cannot attend due to an obligation or illness, the student should communicate with the teachers of classes the student will miss. Here is a link to the middle school schedule.
Are teachers grading assignments? What type of grade will students earn for the final marking period (MP4)?
Teachers are grading weekly assignments and entering grades in PowerSchool using their same established grading practices. Grades are recorded as points earned out of total points and/or using traditional letter grades
For final MP4 grades, middle schools will use a three-tiered grading system which will include a Pass with Distinction (P+), Pass (P) and a Fail (F). Teachers will look through all of the student work and assign one of the three grades. Teachers will consult this rubric for MP4.
Are teachers teaching during Class Meetings on Google Meets?
Yes. Each Friday, teachers post lessons, assignments and resources in Google Classroom including readings, videos, audio clips, and videotaped lessons. During Class Meetings, in Google Meets, teachers present content, clarify misconceptions, provide additional explanations, take student questions, review expectations and get student feedback.
How are teachers holding classroom conversations?
WHPS teachers understand the powerful role student-to-student dialogue has in supporting students to make meaning of academic content. In an online environment, this is more challenging; however, WHPS teachers are finding their way. Teachers are learning how to split their classes into small group sessions during Class Meetings to promote dialogue and then bring them back to full session to debrief.
What are other ways teachers use to engage students?
Here are some additional tools teachers have incorporated recently.
- Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets Collaboration Features -Google embeds collaboration features in each of its products so that users can give each other feedback on their work. As students write essays, research papers, reflection papers or calculate models and formulas, they share their work with their peers who offer commentary and suggestions for improvement.
- Kahoot - Teachers use Kahoot often during their face-to-face learning sessions. This tool is easy to use in an online environment as well. Whether teachers want to do a quick quiz, survey their students, or collect responses to open-ended questions, Kahoot can quickly collect student responses in a fun and engaging manner while teachers gather information on student understanding.
What digital tools are available to help students with online assignments?
There is a wide variety of tools available on the Internet. Here are some examples.
Natural Reader - Natural Reader is a professional text to speech program. Students simply open Natural Reader and drag and drop a .DOC, .PDF, .TXT, .RTF, or .EPUB file into this online tool and Natural Reader converts text into spoken words.
Speechtexter - This free online resource allows students to speak their response into a dictation box and text will appear. Text then can be copied and pasted into documents or text boxes to create written responses to assignments.
ChromeVox - Pre-installed on all Chromebooks, ChromeVox is a screen reader that allows users to browse the Internet with the aid of synthesized speech played through their speakers or headphones.
How is WHPS supporting students with IEPs and 504 plans?
WHPS is providing multiple supports to students who have IEP and 504 plans. These include:
- Untimed assignments with flexible due dates. Students with IEPs will work with their special educator and teacher to determine appropriate flexibilities.
- All assignments posted in Google Classroom will include accommodations for students with IEPs and 504 plans. In addition, digital tools to support access to instructional materials are posted above.
- Content Support classes, those classes that provide students with additional targeted instruction, will hold Classroom Office Hours as all other classes do. Students can check in with their special educator for support in meeting their goals.
- Special Educators will use afternoons and Wednesdays for small group work and individual check-ins.
- Special Educators will have access to their co-teacher's Google Classroom to review assignments and be prepared to support students.
- Special Educators and 504 case managers have created individual learning plans to meet each student's individual goals.
- School Counselors will check in with their students with 504 plans during the afternoon or on Wednesday to determine their needs. Students whose 504 plan includes direct related services (e.g. speech and language, counselor or clinician check-ins, etc.) will have an individualized learning plan sent home that outlines how and when services are provided.
- Special Educators of students in Intensive Academic classes will email families directly with plans for continued learning.
WHPS Online Learning Plan Week 6 and 7
Monday, May 4, 2020, 08:30 AM
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Google Classroom
Google Classroom will be the primary platform for posting lessons and resources. For many of our students and teachers, Google Classroom is a resource they use for learning each day. Over the last week, all middle school teachers established a Google Classroom for each class and invited students, co-teachers, and Department Supervisors to join.