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DOE Updates

School Schedules

The DOE has developed three baseline programming options for schools to choose from. The models have been created by analyzing system-wide constraints, researching national and international best practices, surveying parents and students, and holding focus groups with school leaders. They are meant to support schools in determining how to serve the needs of their students and families in line with health and safety guidance.

  • These models apply to Elementary, Middle, and High Schools

  • Two additional models are available for District 75 schools

  • Schools will be able to apply for an exception to implement an alternative model based on that school’s specific needs

  • Families will be notified of their school’s decision on scheduling in August

 

Programming Models

Principals and school leadership teams will compare the different programming models to the specific needs of their students and communities to select a best-fit model. However, the Chancellor has identified certain models as "Chancellor Recommended" so that there is greater consistency for parents across the system. Schools should select a model in collaboration with their School Leadership Team (SLT), and wherever possible, students should be programmed for in-person instruction at greater frequency. Schools will be able to apply to their Superintendent for an exception that will be subject to review and approval. Principals will have at least one parent meeting in advance of selecting a program model to inform parents of selection and allow for input before final decision is made.

Elementary, Middle, and High Schools

Model 1: Alternating days with rotating Mondays, two in-person student groups

  • This model assumes that a school can serve at any given time at least half of students who choose in-person learning.

  • In this model, there are two in-person student groups and one fully remote student group.

  • Students will receive in-person learning for the same two days every week, as well as alternating Mondays. This amounts to a total of five days of in-person instruction every two weeks. Students will participate in remote learning for non-in person days.

    • Model 1 A: students receive in-person learning on every other day Tuesday through Friday, with groups alternating on Mondays. For schools able to accommodate at least 50% of their student population, this alternating day model is "Chancellor Recommended."

    • Model 1 B: students receive in-person learning on two consecutive days per week - Tuesdays and Wednesdays for one group and Thursday and Fridays for the other group - with groups alternating Mondays. ​

  • Students whose families choose fully remote learning will receive remote instruction every day.

Model 2: One to two days per week in alternating weeks, three in-person student groups

  • This model assumes that a school can serve at any given time at least a third of students who choose in-person learning.

  • Because this model provides the greatest degree of regularity, it is the only option for three in-person groups available for elementary schools and is "Chancellor Recommended" for middle schools that can serve a third of their students.

  • In this model, there are three in-person student groups and one fully remote student group.

  • This model has a three-week cycle that will repeat. For each group there will be one consistent day of the week the student will attend in-person, with Monday and Tuesday rotating among groups. Students will participate in remote learning for non-in person days.

  • Students will receive in-person instruction 1-2 days per week for a total of 5 days every 3 weeks. Students will participate in remote learning for non-in person days. ​

  • Students whose families choose fully remote learning will receive remote instruction every day.

Middle and High Schools Only

Model 3: Six day rotation with one to two days per week, three in-person student groups

  • This model assumes that a school can serve at any given time at least a third of students who choose in-person learning.

  • Because this model does not provide consistency in the day of the week students are in school, the is model is only for middle and high schools and not elementary schools.

  • In this model, there are three in-person student groups and one fully remote student group.

  • This model uses a six day rotation, allowing students to receive in-person learning two days and remote learning four days in a six day cycle. Students will participate in remote learning for non-in person days.

    • Model 3 A: students attend in-person on an alternating cycle so students will be in-person once every three days.

    • Model 3 B: students attend in-person two days in a row on an alternating cycle so students will be in-person for two days and remote for four days.

  • Students whose families choose fully remote learning will receive remote instruction every day.