Northern Arizona Distance Learning recently issued the following announcement.
The Flagstaff Unified School District Governing Board approved a recommendation to have all students begin the 2020-2021 school year, on August 17, 2020, in Flexible Remote Learning and Distance Learning options only and delay the start of In-Person Learning at school sites at least through the first quarter (October 9, 2020). The recommendation to move entirely to online remote learning was based on significant levels of spread and positive cases of COVID-19 in local communities and the state of Arizona, and the District’s commitment to the health and safety of students, FUSD staff, and vulnerable members of our communities.
“Making this decision now provides more certainty about the start of the school year, and enables staff to focus solely on preparing for high quality remote and distance learning,” said FUSD Superintendent Michael Penca. “We know this decision impacts our students, families, and community, and we appreciate their understanding and flexibility as we deal with the implications of this global pandemic.”
In Flexible Remote Learning, FUSD teachers will support students’ learning through learning management systems, such as Canvas or Google Classroom, with daily live engagement between students and teachers. Students will be able to interact with classmates and staff through interactive videoconferencing and all FUSD students (K-12) will be provided with iPad technology devices and internet hotspots are available as needed. Participation and attendance of students is expected and student progress will be supported with feedback and grades. Social emotional support and accommodations and services will continue to be provided while special education services will be determined by the Individual Education Plan (IEP) team. Students may participate in modified extracurricular activities and events offered at their home FUSD school.
As another option, FUSD students in grades 5 - 12 may enroll in Northern Arizona Distance Learning (NADL) for an entire semester or school year. NADL is approved for Arizona Online Instruction (AOI) and offers core and elective courses aligned to state and national standards and has been an FUSD school offering since 2005. All courses are developed by highly qualified Arizona educators and all credits earned will transfer to any FUSD school. Additionally, all Arizona colleges, universities, military programs, and NCAA recognize credits earned through NADL. Instruction through NADL is provided entirely online and students can work at any time of day as their attendance is monitored as they log in and complete coursework. Technology devices from FUSD will be offered and internet hotspots are available as needed.
“I am proud of the collaborative efforts and the countless hours of planning that staff have put in since May to prepare for three different learning models,” said Superintendent Michael Penca. “This recommendation is based on the current conditions of COVID-19 in Flagstaff and surrounding communities and a commitment to the safety of our students, families, and staff.”
Prior to the end of the first quarter, or when it is determined safe to resume in-person learning, FUSD will engage parents and students in the process for transitioning back into schools. Parents and students will have the option of continuing in remote or distance learning throughout the entire school year based on student’s health needs or parent preferences.
Additional information regarding class schedules, registration, supports and services, meal programs, and technology distribution will be provided to FUSD families.
Original source can be found here.
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