Hello
Friendly Hills families,
Please read the following information carefully as it is important.
Click here for more information about Independent Studies for 20-21 School year
DISTANCE LEARNING AND INDEPENDENT STUDY DEFINITIONS
1. 100% Distance Learning: Distance learning occurs when the learner and instructor are separated by time and distance and therefore cannot meet in a traditional physical classroom setting but instead, 100% remotely. Distance instruction is both synchronous (online live lessons) and asynchronous (recorded lessons). Students will completely learn at home in an online format. Teachers provide a variety of instructional strategies including live virtual instruction frequently. Teachers also provide virtual office hours. Students will have a set daily class schedule and must log in and participate every day to attend class. All assignments are graded. Canvas will be the Learning Management System that teachers will use to post and gather assignments. Students must have a device to engage in classes daily. If one is not available in the home, MUSD will provide one. If a device is available in the home, but it does not have a camera, MUSD will provide a webcam for your computer so you can engage live
instruction with the teacher. Students must have access to the internet every day consistently to utilize this option. Distance Learning is 100% online with no opportunity for in-person meetings (frequent live online interactions with the teacher do happen) and no opportunity for paper/pencil assignments.
2. Independent Study: The Independent Study program allows for an in- person meeting (wearing masks) with the teacher weekly or every other week and also allows for a paper/pencil version of the assignments for those that do not have Internet (although assignments can be done online as well). The assignments may not be exactly the same in independent study as in a Distance Learning class. However, the curriculum will be largely the same. While it is a legal requirement that the student meet with the teacher at least once every two weeks for an hour in independent study, it is legal to do that meeting via zoom or online if no person to person contact is desired. Unlike our pre-COVlD-19 Independent Study protocol, there will be no limit on seats in this program. Independent Study will be an option for all families who feel that this is the best learning model for them.
AND NOW FOR THE SHORTER VERSION:
OPTIONS FOR NOW
Option 1: 100% Distance Learning
- Students complete their educational program 100% online. Students, staff, and parents collaborate together all online.
- Students have a set daily schedule of classes and must log in daily to participate in those classes and receive attendance credit. Instruction will be interactive with the teacher and the rest of the class remotely. Courses will follow the California standards framework and all assignments are graded.
- Access to virtual field trips.
- Students receive social-emotional support and counseling services virtually.
- Students will have their textbooks at home for use. They will also be provided a device if they do not have one at home. If they do have a device but it does not have camera capability, a webcam will be provided so online participation with the teacher and class is possible.
- Special Education and English Learner support will be provided.
- Professional development for classroom teachers to support the use of the Canvas learning management system (LMS), online live lessons (synchronous), recorded lessons (asynchronous), and the Discovery Education program online supplementary tools will be provided.
Option 2: Independent Study
- Students complete their educational program under the direction of a certificated teacher, but do not have to log in online daily to participate in remote classrooms. Weekly or every other week meetings with the teacher will occur and may be in person (with masks) or may be completed via Zoom or phone.
- Assignments may be complete online or may be pencil/paper and submitted to the teacher weekly. Coursework and assignments are designed specifically for the individual student.
- Students, staff, and parents collaborate together on assignments and progress monitoring.
- Access to virtual field trips.
- Students receive social-emotional support and counseling services. Students will have their textbooks at home for use. They will also be provided a device if they do not have one at home, and if they do have a device but it does not have camera capability, a webcam will be provided so online interaction with the teacher is possible if needed.
- Special Education and English Learner support will be provided.
- Professional development for classroom teachers to support the use of the Canvas learning management system (LMS), online live lessons (synchronous), recorded lessons (asynchronous), and the Discovery Education program online supplementary tools will be provided.