Bellefonte’s plans for the rest of the school year include online instruction, virtual graduation
As schools remain closed due to COVID-19, Bellefonte Area School District has developed a preliminary plan for an unprecedented school year that is anticipated to end with a virtual graduation ceremony.
Focused on “enrichment and review,” the district’s program aims to accommodate the needs of district employees, students and families and will graduate seniors on time.
The board of directors convened for a Zoom meeting Tuesday to discuss the district’s continuity of education plan that was submitted to the state Department of Education last week.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a series of guidelines for districts to use as schools remain closed until further notice and as they work to implement online learning plans. Continuity of education plans may include planned instruction — formal teaching — or enrichment and review — informal activities that serve as an extension of prior education.
New skills are not addressed in informal learning programs.
After conducting a survey of district households, Bellefonte found that 97% of students have internet access. But because that doesn’t include every home and parents don’t have a consistent schedule due to the coronavirus, district administrators opted for an enrichment and review program so that kids don’t fall behind in their coursework.
Assistant Superintendent Tammie Burnaford said teachers and staff have been eager and cooperative while planning online curriculum plans or “building the plane as we fly,” she said. While some parents have the means to advance their child’s education, Burnaford said others are just trying to find their next meal.
“We want to partner with our parents more. We want to communicate with our parents more,” she said. “We’re doing the best we can.”
The district is evaluating whether and how to distribute Chromebooks to students, but Superintendent Michelle Saylor said technology is not required for the program. In the district survey, 450 parents requested a laptop, Saylor said.
Using Google Classroom, kindergartners through fifth grade students will be assigned reading, writing, math, science and social studies work. Sixth through eighth graders will be taught English and language arts, math, science and social studies. Ninth through 12th grade students will complete English, math, science and social studies assignments. The plan also includes specials like technology, music, art, health and physical education, library and world language.
Teachers are expected to provide feedback and maintain contact with students online or by phone. Secondary teachers must provide regular office hours for students to ask questions or seek additional help. Students are encouraged to request feedback and schedule individual help sessions as needed.
Burnaford said some parents voiced concern that activities assigned to students were “too easy,” but she said the plan allows for students to engage with higher level assignments at will. Wanting to improve communication, Burnaford said the district is working to develop the curriculum as more information is provided to administrators.
Saylor said the board plans to waive district graduation requirements and align with the state’s requirements. This change would waive the fourth year or social studies and mathematics as well as electives in driver’s education.
“We would follow the state’s requirements for 21 credits as well as four years of English,” Saylor wrote in her board report. “If a student was scheduled to take an elective course in the fourth marking period, that will serve as a fulfilled requirement.”
Seniors will not be penalized for not meeting requirements due to the statewide closure.
The district anticipates its Class of 2020 will be recognized in a virtual graduation ceremony to be held on June 8.
Grades for the district’s third marking period are being compiled and are anticipated to be available by April 7, and no student will receive a final grade lower than a 60% for the grading period, Saylor said.
“Given the situation, things are unfolding relatively quickly and amazingly well,” board president Jon Guizar said. “It’s just a matter of really communicating what’s available.”
If parents or guardians have questions about the program or need special accommodation, Burnaford asks that they contact the district via phone or email.
This story was originally published April 8, 2020 at 8:58 AM.
