Board approves full Distance Learning for start of 2020-21 school year
At the July 14, Special Board Meeting, the Board voted (4-1) to begin the 2020-21 school year in a full Distance Learning model, following the motion below:
(1) Approve starting the 2020-21 school year in distance learning; (2) Authorize the AM/PM model in grades K-5 as soon as it is safe to transition; (3) Authorize the AB Model for grades 6-12 as soon as it is safe to transition; and (4) Allow limited in-person education for those in special education, English learning, and other similar categories during the distance learning phase to the degree it is safely possible.
Note: All models will offer standard grading. Please keep reading.
“The decision to return to school in a distance learning model was not made lightly,” stated Superintendent, Sarah Koligian. “Prioritizing the health and safety of our students, employees, and their families, in light of the ever-changing health landscape, has remained our cornerstone throughout this process. There is no doubt that our teachers miss their students, and our students miss the social interactions on campus with peers and adults. Our goal is to return to an in-person instructional model, when deemed safe to do so by our state and local health officials. Our administrators and teachers are grateful for the Board’s decision to move forward with distance learning for the start of the school year, allowing the time needed for our professionals to fine-tune this delivery model of instruction.”
Full Distance Learning for all grades: Start of 2020-21 school year
COVID19 transmission, infection and hospitalization rates continue to rise in Sacramento County and our communities of Rancho Cordova and Folsom. This rise coupled with limited testing capacity and a prioritization of health and safety for students, their families and our employees were considered when making this critical decision. Additional key factors:
- Students would be assigned teachers and classroom cohorts at their school of residence
- Considerations would be made for in-person instruction for students with special needs, English language learners and students who require special services
- Easier transition from Distance Learning to Traditional/Hybrid models when deemed safe
PLANNING FOR A TRANSITION TO TRADITIONAL:
Traditional/Hybrid: Plans for a return to campus when deemed safe
The Board voted for staff to develop a Virtual Academy which would offer a 100% on-line instructional option for grades K-12 for families and students who would not be able to participate in the Traditional/Hybrid options, the FCCC Homeschool program (TK-8) or Walnutwood High School Independent Study (7-12).
Please note: The Virtual Academy would operate independently from a student’s school of residence and students would be assigned a teacher in the Virtual Academy.
The Board also approved a modification of the Traditional/Hybrid option for Secondary to be a two-day a week, A/B schedule.
The updated four offerings would be:
- Virtual Academy 100% online (K - 12)
- Walnutwood High School, Independent Study (7 - 12)
- Transitional on-campus at 50% student capacity
- Elementary (TK - 5): AM/PM four days per week (Tuesday - Friday)
- Secondary (6 - 12): A/B - two days on campus, three days virtual learning
- Folsom Cordova Community Charter homeschool program (grades TK - 8)
As we move forward we will continue to keep you informed. Further details for starting the 2020-21 school year will be forthcoming as staff plans for a full Distance Learning model.
The next Special Board meeting will be:
- Thursday, July 23: Closed Session, (time TBD), Open Session, 6:00 p.m.
Information on viewing and participating in public comments will be posted 24 hours in advance at: www.fcusd.org/virtualboardmeeting