Virtual Learning Expectations
Clever High School
Background
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic forced school districts across the nation to shut their doors in the spring of 2020. Clever R-V closed as a precaution due to COVID-19 in March of 2020 and would remain closed for the rest of the school year. Clever R-V is committed to providing a high-quality education for all students while prioritizing the health of our entire school community. We recognize the need for families to have options so they may determine the best learning environment for their student(s).
Additionally, school leaders understand the importance of implementing online learning in every classroom so students are more prepared to transition from face-to-face instruction to distanced learning should schools be forced to close again in the future. Bluejays@home is designed for students/families wishing to opt-out of seated courses at the start of the 2020-2021 school year. Further, this program will be implemented for all students in the event of a school-wide closure or an individual short term exclusion and the guidelines, policies, and procedures outlined in this document will apply to all learners.
The staff of Clever High School has worked diligently to develop a plan specific to the needs of each class. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has been clear, we are no longer in crisis mode and instruction must take place regardless of whether or not the school is open. This document will serve as a framework for all distance learners during the 2020-2021 school year. Also, this plan is subject to change as guidelines governing distance learning at the state and local level may be modified at any point.
Expectations for Learners
- All students at Clever High School, regardless of whether physically attending school or utilizing distance learning, will receive a daily schedule of classes.
- Students will be available during the school day, following both the district calendar for days that are in session and also the daily bell schedule.
- When attendance is required by the teacher, missing a scheduled session is the same as missing a day of school. Students will be required to initiate communication prior to a missed session or as soon as possible.
- Students will be subject to the same grading practices and policies as those physically attending school.
- Be on time for virtual instruction and do not leave class early.
- Engage in class following the teacher's instructions and established classroom norms.
- Complete required tasks outside of class in a timely manner following teacher expectations.
- Sign in a minimum of once per day to check all resources - Canvas, Email, Remind, Edmentum, etc.
- Communicate, communicate, communicate! Parents, students, and teachers must stay in contact to ensure adequate progress is being made.
- Be proactive - if something doesn't work or you don't understand how to complete a task, immediately make contact with the appropriate person so help can be provided promptly.
- Be patient with yourself, your peers, and your teachers.
Learning Pathways
Pathway #1 - Video Conferencing
Teachers will utilize one of the two video conferencing platforms available to them: Zoom or Canvas Conferences. These live sessions will take place during the time of the school day assigned on the student's schedule. The teacher may choose to record the session and share it on Canvas within 24 hours. Or, the teacher may require all Bluejays@home learners to attend the session live during their scheduled class time. For recorded sessions, the student would take responsibility for reaching out to the teacher through email or established office hours to ask questions and receive additional support. Again, whether or not a student is required to attend a live classroom session is up to each teacher. The teacher will establish a calendar outlining expectations on a weekly basis. Assessments, tasks, and/or projects will be assigned by the teacher to provide evidence of the student's understanding. These assignments/tasks must be completed and submitted in a timely manner. Due dates will be clearly communicated.
Pathway #2 - Flipped Classroom Model
Teachers will pre-record instruction or utilize educational resources, such as Edmentum, to deliver the content. Supplemental assessments would accompany the instruction which would need to be completed and submitted according to the schedule provided by the teacher. Utilizing this method of instruction would require students to proactively communicate with the teacher and quickly schedule additional support when needed. Assessments, tasks, and/or projects will be assigned by the teacher to provide evidence of the student's understanding. These assignments/tasks must be completed and submitted in a timely manner. Due dates will be clearly communicated.
Traits of a Successful Distance Learner
Internet Access
Grading and GPA for Bluejays@Home Students
Students who enroll in Bluejays@home will be graded based on the same guidelines in place for those attending seated courses. Learning opportunities (formative assessments) must be completed prior to the completion of summative assessments. Summative assessments will be weighted 90% of the student’s overall grade. Formative assessments will be weighted 10% of the student’s overall grade.
WEIGHTED GRADING SYSTEM
The school board has approved the implementation of a weighted grading system and modified distinguished graduate criteria for the 2020-2021 school year beginning with students in the graduating class of 2023 (incoming sophomores) and beyond. The purpose of a weighted grading scale is to encourage students to take rigorous courses at Clever High School and to recognize the inherent difficulty of upper-level courses. Weighted grades will be used in determining the grade point average and class rank of those students who have taken certain advanced courses. Both weighted and unweighted GPA along with weighted and unweighted class rank will be reported on scholarship and college applications. Official class rank will be determined by a weighted GPA. To receive a weighted grade, the student must pass the course with a minimum grade of C-. Students who choose not to take weighted courses are not penalized.
Use this link to access the grading scale along with the GPA points system.
Removal From Bluejays@home
1. The student fails to log into and participate in his/her enrolled courses daily. This includes making adequate progress as determined by the course instructor.
- If a student fails to log in, participate, or make adequate progress for 48 hours or more, the teacher will attempt to make parent/guardian contact and provide written notification via email.
- If this happens a second time, building administration will become involved and will again make contact with the parent/guardian and provide written expectations via email.
- A third offense will result in removal from Bluejays@home. A meeting will be held at that time to determine the placement of the student (traditional seated classes or enrolling in the alternative school) for the remainder of the semester. Several factors will be considered, including the progress made by the student to that point, the time remaining in the semester, the number of students currently attending the courses the student is needing, etc.
2. The student has a failing grade at any three-week grade check without prior communication and assurance from the course instructor. These dates will correspond with the three-week eligibility reports at Clever High School.
3. The student fails to effectively communicate with his/her teacher or with the school. This will include responding to email and phone calls and/or notifying the school of any extenuating circumstances that have caused a disruption in the student's ability to make consistent adequate progress towards course completion.
4. Other circumstances deemed worthy of removal by building or district administration.