As Crawfordsville parents prepare to return students to the classroom on Aug. 5, some have indicated they will instead choose virtual classroom options.
Nearly 90 students had already enrolled in the district’s relatively new distance-learning platforms of Google Classroom (kindergarten through fifth grade) and Canvas (grades six through 12) by July 9 due to concerns of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
During the second semester of the 2019-20 school year — when the pandemic first arrived in Indiana — requirements surrounding attendance and late work were relaxed as the country began coping with unexpected school closures.
However, these requirements will be enforced for the 2020-21 term.
“Rigor of work and types of assignments will be equivalent to what is expected of students who attend school in person,” Crawfordsville Schools Superintendent Dr. Scott Bowling said. “Daily participation is required. Students who do not engage appropriately with the instructor on a daily basis may be removed from distance learning.”
Bowling, who often authors letters to parents with important information, announced plans to enforce these requirements ahead of the July 9 public school board meeting with input from Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rex Ryker and district trustees.
The letter specifically shows what students can expect this fall if they choose distance learning.
“Our goal is to provide robust distance-learning options at all grade levels that will meet our students academic needs and mirror the curriculum and expectations of the in-person learning experience,” he said in the letter. “Students could also be required to interact with their teachers using a variety of additional platforms and software depending on the instructor and the course of study.”
Everything a student turns in will be assessed with the same scrutiny as those attending in person. Students should expect a minimum of roughly six to eight hours of instruction each day, he said, like those physically in attendance.
“Students will complete the same types of assignments in the same time frame as their in-person peers,” Bowling said. “Unlike this past spring, there will be penalties for work turned in late.”
Parents will be required to provide reliable internet service if they choose the online option. Chrome Books are available for students who do not possess a capable device.
“Parents are encouraged to provide a device for their students,” Bowling said, “(and) they must complete training to become familiar with the distance-learning platforms that will be used and to learn about the parental support that will be needed based on their students’ age.”
For training details, contact the school administration office at 765-362-2342.
Students who were unsuccessful in the spring semester of 2019-20 may not be eligible for distance learning. A committee has been formed to assess failing or incomplete grades.
Additionally, parents or guardians who later decide to send their students back to the physical classroom may have the chance to do so.
“Students enrolled in distance learning will be able to return to the in-person classroom by contacting their principal to make arrangements,” Bowling said.
To learn more, visit www.cville.k12.in.us. For updated COVID-19 statistics and important information, visit www.coronavirus.in.gov.
