E-LEARNING

INTRODUCTION:
Covington Community School Corporation will utilize E-Learning Days for planned days within the annual school calendar. Further, E-Learning Days will be utilized in lieu of, as well as to make up, instructional days when weather and other such unforeseen circumstances create an obstacle for the regular operational schedules to be utilized.

E – Learning/Virtual Learning
Covington Community School Corporation will utilize E/Virtual Learning Days for planned days within the annual school calendar.  Further, E/Virtual Learning Days will be utilized in lieu of, as well as to make up, instructional days when weather and other such unforeseen circumstances create an obstacle for the regular operational schedules to be utilized.

Objective
All students will utilize current technology capabilities and educational resources to complete the course level instructional process.

Grades
K – 12

Activity
E – Learning lessons will be developed through the utilization of tools and resources currently being utilized for student instruction.  These will include such tools as Canvas, Harmony, Google Classroom, Nearpod, Kahoot, and more.

Rigor
Rigorous lesson instruction is embedded into the leveling of questions with the lessons and assessments.  Rigor is based on the identification of relevant lesson objectives, which serve to ensure students are developing the knowledge and skillsets necessary for effective development.  The CCSC E – Learning program is directed on a learning path as a form of individualized instruction.

Launching of Lessons
Instructors will introduce the respective lesson prior to 9:00 A.M. on the designated E – Learning Day.

Assignment Window
Students will have a one-week assignment window, as measured from the designated E – Learning Day.

Attendance
Students not completing the assignment, will be counted as absent for the designated E – Learning Day.

Lesson Administration
To ensure the efficient execution of the CCSC E/Virtual Learning strategy lessons will be administered as follows:

• Students may utilize technology at home, the respective school facility, or through other options in order to complete the respective E/Virtual Learning assignment.
• Other options may include local facilities such as, a public library, a coffee shop, and a restaurant, that offers Wi – Fi and other types of technological access.
• CCSC Instructors will be available to guide and assist students throughout the lesson assignment.
• Teachers are encouraged to continue with their planned lesson (s) and objectives in order to maintain continuity of learning for the individual child.
• Students will be expected to complete the virtual assignment by utilizing their personal technology, or those provided by the school.  These may include 1:1 Devices, such as Chromebook and School Computer Labs.
• E/Virtual Learning instruction will provide students with work that covers relevant content, which would be addressed in the traditional school setting.
• All students who have accommodations for instruction will be provided and have access to those accommodations.
• Students who do not use an online platform for learning, or for whom an online platform is not appropriate, will be provided with the appropriate educational materials and learning activities for their utilization.
• Students will be provided with lesson information in order to allow them to work off-line if necessary.
• For planned E/Virtual Learning Days the educational facilities of Covington Community School Corporation will be made available for students to access the required technology resources.
• When safety is a factor, a decision on opening the school facility will be made on a case-by-case basis.
• On Planned E/Virtual Learning Days CCSC will provide opportunities for students to obtain breakfast and / or lunch in one of our facility cafeterias.  The actual location and schedule will be announced for the designated E/Virtual Learning Day.
• For planned E/Virtual Learning Days CCSC may provide opportunities for staff development through the Professional Learning Community concept.
• When E/Virtual Learning Days are to be utilized for the make-up of a previously scheduled instructional day, CCSC will use best efforts to provide the details associated with the E/Virtual Learning schedule and lesson for students, parents, guardians, and caregivers.

Help Desk
To assist students and staff members, a tech help center will be made available on the designated E – Learning Day.

Athletic Practices
When an E – Learning Day is utilized, athletic practices and events will occur after 3:00 P.M.  There shall be no practices or events during the time frame of 8:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M.  If the E – Learning Day is due to weather and/or other impact beyond our control a decision will be made by the superintendent, building leader, and athletic director as to whether or not practices or events will occur.

Administrators
Administrators will be expected to work on an E – Learning Day, weather permitting.

• A personal day may be used on an E – Learning Day.

Note:  Sick leave days may not be used for non-illness related absences on E – Learning Days

Administrative Assistants (Treasurers)
For planned E – Learning Days employees will report to work per their regular schedule.

For E – Learning Days utilized due to weather and/or other reasons which may make it unsafe, or impossible, to open our facilities to students and staff, employees will not work.  Building administrators will provide guidance and communicate with the respective employee when this is the situation.

An employee may use one of the following options on an E – Learning Day:

• The employee may use a personal day.
• The employee may choose not to be paid.
• The employee may choose to make up missed time by working with their direct supervisor.
• Note:  A plan to allow an employee to make up missed time must be approved by the superintendent and building leader prior to the execution of the plan.

Note:  Sick leave days may not be used for non-illness related absences on E – Learning Days.

Contracted Bus Drivers

• Contracted bus route drivers will not work on E – Learning days.
• Contracted bus route drivers will be paid for E – Learning days.

Custodians/Maintenance/Grounds
Custodial staff will be expected to report to work on E – Learning Days, unless a State of Emergency is declared for Fountain County, or they are directed differently by the superintendent and/or the custodial supervisor.

A custodian may use one of the following options on E – Learning Days:

• The employee may use a Personal Day.
• The employee may use a Vacation Day.
• The employee may choose to not be paid.

Note:  Sick leave days may not be used for non-illness related absences on E – Learning Days.

Food Services
Food services personnel shall work on planned E – Learning days, per the schedule identified by the supervisor, in collaboration with the superintendent.

• The employee may use a personal day.
• The employee may choose not to be paid.
• The employee may be scheduled to perform other duties, such as custodial, on an E – Learning Day.
• The employee may be scheduled to make up missing time during the month of June, with the approval of the custodial supervisor and the superintendent.

Note:  Sick leave days may not be used for non-illness related absences on E – Learning Days.

Instructors
In the event an instructor was scheduled for a personal leave or sick leave on the day an E – Learning Day is scheduled, s/he may make a modification to their planned leave, providing they are able to meet the requirements of posting an E – Learning lesson by 9 A.M. and be available to address questions received from students and / or parents.

For planned E – Learning Days instructors will report to their respective buildings. 

For all other E – Learning Days instructors will not be required to report to their respective buildings.

Note:  Sick leave days may not be used for non-illness related absences on E – Learning Days.

Instructional Aides
For planned E – Learning Days Instructional Aides will be expected to work their normal schedule, with duties assigned according to the needs of Covington Community School Corporation.

• Duties may include assisting students with E – Learning lessons and questions; assisting instructors with lesson preparation and execution; supervising students electing to utilize a CCSC facility to complete their E – Learning assignment (s); engaging in training and education as assigned by the superintendent and/or building leader; and assisting with custodial needs as directed.

For E – Learning Days utilized due to weather and/or other reasons which may make it unsafe, or impossible, to open our facilities to students and staff, instructional aides will not work.  In this event an instructional aide will have the following options for missed income:

• The employee may use a Personal Day.
• The employee may opt not to be paid.
• The employee may choose to make up missed time by working with their direct supervisor.
• Note:  A plan to allow an employee to make up missed time must be approved by the superintendent and building leader prior to the execution of the plan.

Note:  Sick leave days may not be used for non-illness related absences on E – Learning Days.

Technology Support
The technology support team will work on an E – Learning Day.  The technology director will advise staff, in collaboration with the superintendent, as to the expected work school for E – Learning Days.

• The employee may use a personal day.
• The employee may choose not to be paid for the day.

Note:  Sick leave days may not be used for non-illness related absences on E – Learning Days.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is an E – Learning Day?
• E – Learning is an opportunity for students to have full access to online instruction, without the need for the student to physically attend an educational facility.
• Why use an E – Learning Day?
• The use of an E – Learning Day provides a number of benefit opportunities, including sustaining the flow of a lesson and/or unit administration, providing timely opportunities for making up days missed due to weather and other uncontrollable events, and allowing a focused and dedicated opportunity for our educators to gain professional development.
• Does an E – Learning Day count?
• Yes, an E – Learning Day may be used as one of the required 180 days.
• Do I have an Instructor for E – Learning?
• Yes, an E – Learning Day will allow the students regular teacher to provide a lesson and the support required for the identified instructional activities.
• What if I need assistance during an E – Learning Day?
• Instructors will be available to assist students during an E – Learning Day.
• A Tech Help Desk will be provided for student and parent use.
• What may I expect with an E – Learning lesson?
• Teachers will create digital lessons that are interactive and relative to the curriculum for the respective class.
• How long will I have to complete the E – Learning assignment?
• The student will have one week, or five (5) school days, to complete and submit the assigned E – Learning lesson.
• What if I do not complete the E – Learning assignment?
• Students electing to not complete the assignment will be counted as absent for the designated E – Learning date.
• Why utilize the E – Learning approach?
• E – Learning provides an opportunity for our students to develop and practice good digital citizenship skills, while growing experience with 21st Century and workplace skills.
• Provides an opportunity to make-up missed days due to inclement weather and other uncontrollable issues that may prevent school from being in session during the respective school year.
• What if I do not have good access to the internet at home?
• Students will be provided lesson information prior to a planned E – Learning Day, allowing them to download resources to their device, which will provide an opportunity to work on the assignment while off – line.
• For planned E – Learning Days, CCSC will provide access to our educational facilities, allowing students to utilize resources which may assist them in the completion of the lesson assignment.
• Students will have five (5) school days from the time the E – Learning assignment is issued to complete and submit their work.  This will allow students flexibility to utilize school and / or other technology resources to successfully complete and submit the assignment.
• Will my child be able to complete the E – Learning work without assistance?
• Yes.  Teachers will create lesson assignments that build on the flow of the curriculum at the time of the designated E – Learning Day.
• How will I know about an E – Learning Day?
• Students and parents will receive the relevant details, as related to an E – Learning Day, well in advance of the actual utilization of the CCSC E – Learning plan.
• Schedules of teacher availability, as well as the process for contacting instructors and the Tech Help Desk, will be provided in advanced of a designated E – Learning Day.