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View Winners → Arcadia Unified Looking at Three Potential Learning Models for the Next School Year
Arcadia Weekly Jul 06, 2020
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In a recent message to Arcadia Unified (AUSD) families, districtofficials said that much of the district’s plans for reopening hinge onregulations set in place by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health(Public Health). The Los Angeles County Office of Education has informed theAUSD that Public Health will have “broad authority to determine the manner inwhich schools may open for the 2020-2021 school year.”
Public Health has not yet released final guidelines for school administratorsbut AUSD is using current commonplace protocols, such as social distancing, toplan instruction in the fall under three educational models that will help thedistrict remain flexible when more guidance is received.
The first plan is a full opening in which students are welcomedback to school campuses and receive instruction in classrooms with safetydirectives from Public Health in place. According to AUSD officials, this planfactors in the ability of the district to meet student/staff safety directives.If Public Health guidelines prevent a physical return to school sites for allstudents who wish to return in August, AUSD will shift to a “limited opening.”
The limited opening is a hybrid model where students are welcomedback to school and in classrooms in limited numbers each day. If guidelines requirestrict limits on the number of students in classrooms per day, students will attendschool approximately two to three days per week while working independentlyfrom home or in a child care setting the remainder of the week. Specific schoolschedules will be determined by grade level and schools with input fromstakeholders via School Site Leadership Teams.
The third option is a completely virtual learning model that wouldimmediately go into effect if there is an outbreak and Public Health directsschools to remain closed or requires campuses to physically close sometime duringthe upcoming school year. Lessons will be delivered through a combination oflive and pre-recorded instruction, and assignments, grades and attendance willbe maintained. Instruction and assignments will take place with as littledisruption to a normal classroom schedules as possible.
AUSD will continue to offer an independent study programfacilitated by the Rancho Learning Center for any family deciding that a modelwith limited teacher interaction is best for their child.
