All Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) students will begin the new school year in a single distance learning environment on Aug. 17, 2020. PUSD had initially considered offering two online options but will instead offer a single distance learning model for all students.
Features of PUSD’s Distance Learning Model
- Structure through daily schedules for students and teachers, with increased live interaction that meet AB77 and SB98 universal requirements for California school districts.
- Standards-based curriculum that is UC A-G and NCAA approved.
- Combines PUSD core curriculum adoptions with a pre-built online resource, along with model units developed by specialists and PUSD teachers.
- Content developed and designed in alignment with best practices for online instruction.
- Canvas, a new unified learning management system with parent account tools. This replaces Powerschool Learning, which was used last spring.
- WebEx, a new video conferencing tool with more robust video conferencing tools for a live classroom environment that includes smaller breakout group learning. This replaces Google Meets.
- More details are included in the table below.
How PUSD Will Determine When It’s Safe to Return to In-Person Instruction
Later in the fall semester, parents will be asked to indicate whether they want their student(s) to stay with the online-only model or participate in the hybrid model once it is deemed safe to offer in-person instruction.
Although things change rapidly, the district tentatively anticipates that the earliest it can transition to a hybrid model is at the start of the second quarter, which begins on Oct. 19. However, Superintendent Brian McDonald warns that PUSD families should be prepared to stay in distance learning through the end of the fall semester unless conditions change.
PUSD’s plan is designed to allow for a smooth transition from one instructional model to another. A waiver application process is being designed by the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to allow schools to transition from distance learning to in-person learning models. If health and safety conditions change during in-person learning, a cohort, classroom, school, or district may have to return to distance learning. Movement between PUSD instructional models is determined through consultation with PPHD and subject to agreements with labor groups.
What is the Hybrid Model?
A hybrid model is a structure of learning wherein students attend school with a combination of in-person and distance learning environments.
- In-person learning environment: learning that occurs in the classroom on campus.
- Distance learning environment: learning that occurs from a remote location not on campus.
What Does the Hybrid Model Include?
- Standards-based curriculum that is UC A-G and NCAA approved.
- Combines PUSD core adoptions with a pre-built online resource, along with and model units developed by specialists and PUSD teachers.
- Supports for English language learners and students receiving GATE and/or special education services.
- Instruction delivered by PUSD teachers following a cohort schedule.
- Ability to participate in learning on-campus in smaller student cohorts.
- Directly supports special programs such as DLIP, AP, IB, Magnet, etc.
- TK-12th grade.
What is the Online Model?
PUSD’s 2020-21 structure of learning wherein students attend school in an entirely online environment while remaining enrolled at their current school. The Online Model is intended as a continuation of distance learning for a longer term or full school year.
PUSD will work with students and families to ensure equity and access to quality instruction. Accommodations for students with disabilities, students with diverse learning needs, students who are medically vulnerable, and English Language Learners will be made as needed.
What does the Online Model include?
- Standards-based curriculum that is UC A-G & NCAA approved.
- Combines PUSD core adoptions with a pre-built online resource, along with and model units developed by specialists and PUSD teachers.
- Supports for English Language Learners and students receiving GATE and/or Special Education services.
- Daily live instruction delivered virtually by PUSD teachers.
- Continuation of distance learning for a longer term or full school year.
- Supports are in development for special programs such as DLIP, AP, IB, Magnet, etc.
- K-12 (No TK).
PUSD will work with students and families to ensure equity and access to quality instruction. Accommodations for students with disabilities, students with diverse learning needs, students who are medically vulnerable, and English language learners will be made as needed.
Selecting Hybrid or Online
Later in the fall semester, a notification will be sent to parents from the school in which the student is enrolled. The district wants those who opt-in for the online model to commit for the entire year. Children who return to the hybrid model may switch to the online learning model at any time should they (or another member of your family) develop symptoms, need to quarantine, or become ill — whether that is a result of COVID-19 or another illness.
Childcare
PUSD’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) program is currently operating and will also offer Emergency Child Care for essential workers and at-risk families. Beginning Aug. 17, PasadenaLEARNs After School Program will offer a three-hour online program Monday-Friday beginning at dismissal from the online school day. PUSD is working with community partners to offer options for in-person childcare and will provide more details as they become available.
