In-Class / Remote & Virtual Learning
What is the elementary hybrid model?
Why is the Algoma District School Board transitioning to the elementary hybrid model?
Will my JK-8 child be placed in another class?
As of November 17th, there will be a significant restructuring of classes throughout the Board, regardless of the move to the hybrid model. This restructuring is happening so that we can accommodate the 319 requests to switch modes of learning. Moving to the hybrid model will provide stability until the end of June so that we don’t have to restructure classes again in January and April.
What are the benefits of moving to the elementary hybrid model?
- Students will have deeper connections with their home school and opportunity to develop relationships with their teachers and classmates
- Consistency and continuity of learning for all students regardless of whether they are learning face-to-face or virtually
- Greater opportunities to adjust class sizes for increased physical distancing in classrooms
- Ability to accommodate parent requests to switch from virtual to face-to-face and vice-versa
- Smoother transition with no wait time for students who move from face-to-face to remote learning or vice-versa throughout the school year
- Less disruption as there will be one restructuring on November 17th, so the January and April re-entry dates and subsequent reorganizations will no longer be required.
- Students with special education needs will have better access to school-based support.
- Ability to quickly pivot if the Board is required to move to a partial or full closure due to rising COVID cases.
Will the elementary hybrid model be beneficial for students with special education needs?
- Increased ability to collaborate efficiently in the development of comprehensive Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
- Effective communication is essential in supporting students with special education needs. School-based special education teams can leverage existing relationships with parents as they develop and execute IEP goals. The current virtual school model created barriers to this communication pathway.
- Referrals to special education services are facilitated by the school-based special education team. This includes academic screening, assessments, school-based rehabilitation services, assistive technology training, hearing and vision supports and SEA claims. With all virtual students being reassigned to their home school, these referrals can be completed effectively and in a timely manner.
- Students with exceptionalities need to have their Identification and Placement (IPRC) completed each year. All pertinent information for students is stored in their Ontario Student Record (OSR) in their home school. With all virtual students being reassigned to their home school, school based IPRC teams can complete these reviews effectively without the need to liaise with virtual school staff.
- In the current virtual school model, the teachers often had to consult Special Education Resource Teachers (SERTs) from multiple school sites. In the hybrid model, teachers will have one point of contact for their entire class.
What will happen to the Algoma District School Board JK-8 Virtual/Remote School?
What will the school day look like for face-to-face and virtual learners in the hybrid model?
▪ Kindergarten: 180 minutes of synchronous/120 minutes of asynchronous learning
▪ Grades 1-8: 225 minutes of synchronous/75 minutes of asynchronous learning
*Please Note: Families will still have the ability to request an exemption from synchronous learning and will be supported by the classroom teacher at the regular school.
- The classroom teacher instructing all students (both face-to-face and virtual, using a variety of technologies) at the same time;
- The classroom teacher working with small groups (both in the classroom and online); and
- Students working independently.
All students (both in-class and virtual) will also access online material and resources through their Edsby account.
What will the class sizes look like?
Are other school boards implementing a hybrid model?
How will virtual students access learning from the face-to-face classroom?
I want my child to access virtual learning but we don’t have a device. Will devices be provided?
If my child needs to stay home due to COVID symptoms or for other reasons, will they be able to access virtual learning?
What are you doing to ensure security and privacy?
How will you track attendance/safe arrival?
How can I switch my mode of learning – from face-to-face to virtual or virtual to face-to-face?