Distance Learning Plan Template for Charter Schools
On June 24, 2020, Governor Ducey issued Executive Order 2020-41 Prioritizing Kids and Schools During COVID-19 regarding the reopening of schools for school year 2020-2021. As part of the Executive Order, all public schools may submit a Distance Learning Plan (DLP) to receive the flexibility to offer distance learning options for students without an approved Arizona Online Instruction (AOI) program for the 2020-2021 school year. Charter schools are required to submit a DLP to the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools (ASBCS) prior to implementing distance learning. Charter schools may begin operating their DLP upon submission of the plan to ASBCS.
Charters may make revisions to improve their DLP at any time, but must submit those changes to the ASBCS within 10 business days of any substantive revision. Charters should contact their assigned Education Program Manager at the ASBCS to revise their DLP.
Instructions
A charter holder that wishes to provide distance learning under Executive Order 2020-41 must create a DLP using this template, provided by the ASBCS. Charter holders not utilizing the appropriate template will be required to revise and resubmit their plans. The template is a Word document that must be completed in its entirety and uploaded to a Google Drive, as specified in communications from ASBCS and each charter holder’s assigned Education Program Manager.
In the sections found on pages 3-5, a charter holder will populate background information regarding charter holder and school information, including basic information about each charter holder’s overall plan and intended number of instructional days.
Most areas of the DLP will be completed by breaking processes into discreet, sequential action steps that answer the questions of what, who, when, and how. The action steps require the charter holder to name the action, indicate who is responsible for the action, provide the frequency and/or timing of the action, and identify what evidence will exist to show that the step has been/is being completed. Areas should include multiple action steps in order to demonstrate that the charter holder has a “detailed plan” to “provide substantive distance learning”, as required by the Executive Order. An example of a set of action steps for an area is below:
The example above is not intended to demonstrate that these are specific action steps a charter should use, nor that this is the best or most appropriate number of action steps. Rather, it is provided as guidance to show the manner in which the template is to be completed.
Other areas of the template will require the charter holder to check boxes to indicate specific tasks, strategies, or resources to be used for different stakeholders included in the distance learning process.
Charter Holder Information
Charter Holder Name
Vista Charter
Charter Holder Entity ID
79907
Representative authorized to submit the plan (This is the individual that will be contacted with questions about the plan)
Patrick Finn
Representative Telephone Number
(623) 936-8682
Representative E-Mail Address
PFinn@PrecisionAcademy.com
School Information
*In the chart, list the schools this plan applies to. Add rows as needed to account for all schools.
School Name
Entity ID
CTDS
Midtown High School
80385
078960000
Distance Learning Background Information
Number of Instructional Days (3.b)
Each charter school shall operate for the required 180 days of instruction pursuant to Executive Order 2020-41 (3.b). An exception to this requirement may be granted by the ASBCS, if the school intended to switch to a different schedule for the 2020-2021 school year. If ASBCS previously approved the school to operate on a calendar that was not 180 days, but met the number of hours equal to 180 days of instruction, this provision is still met, and no action is required.
If the school intended to switch to a different schedule for the 2020-2021 school year, but has not yet been approved by the ASBCS, please contact your Education Program Manager.
Please note, pursuant to Executive Order 2020-44 the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) shall conduct an analysis of the need to waive the number of school days that schools are required to provide schooling and the impact of such a waiver by August 31, 2020.
How many instructional days will the charter school operate for School Year 2020-2021?
146
How many instructional days did the charter school operate for School Year 2019-2020?
146
Distance Learning Option (3.b)
Estimated Enrollment for FY 2021
18
Start Date for Distance Learning
8/10/2020
Estimated Number of Students Participating in Distance Learning for the Full Year
3
Estimated Number of Students Participating in Distance Learning for a Portion of the Year
15
Please choose the option that indicates your proposed duration/plan for distance learning:
☐1. We intend to operate distance learning for the full year for all students. ☐2. We intend to operate distance learning until ________________ for all students. ☐3. We intend to operate distance learning only until the Governor allows schools to fully reopen. ☐4. We intend to operate distance learning and use a hybrid approach once the Governor allows schools to fully reopen. Hybrid includes distance learning with students learning in the classroom on some days, and from home on other days (i.e. half of the students attend Mon/Wed and half of the students Tues/Thurs, half of the students come each week, etc.). ☒5. Other (Please explain below)
If you chose option 4 or 5 above, please provide a brief narrative explaining the details of the plan you will use:
Midtown High School plans to operate distance learning until the CDC says it is 100% safe from COVID-19 for both students and faculty to operate in a traditional classroom setting.
Is the charter requiring students to do distance learning?
Yes
If students are required to do distance learning, is the charter school providing a physical location for students to go during the same hours of the day AND the same days throughout the week as it did in the FY2020 school year prior to the school closure?
Yes
*In the case of a statewide closure or delay of in-person instruction, the requirement to provide a physical location available for students is waived under the Executive Order 2020-41 until the State permits in-person instruction. If due to a COVID-19 outbreak and pursuant to A.R.S. § 36-787, the Arizona Department of Health Services directs a school to close temporarily in order to appropriately sanitize the facility, the requirement to provide a physical location available for students is waived.
Attendance Tracking (1.a.i, 1.i)
Describe how the charter school will track attendance for students attending remotely, whether full time or intermittently.
The description must include the specific measures that will be used to determine whether a student participating in DL will be reported as present or absent on days when instruction does not take place in person. Attendance tracking may include methods such as:
Communication with their teachers via telephone, ZOOM, MS Teams, or other digital meeting software.
Student participation in a virtual meeting or classroom session (ZOOM, MS TEAMS, Google Meets, etc.)
Daily assignments competed and submitted by the student.
A parent attestation of documentation of time spent on educational activities.
The charter holder is advised that the ADE will continue to issue guidance on the topic of attendance, and should closely monitor updated information related to these expectations. Current guidance can be found here: https://www.azed.gov/finance/school-finance-guidance-for-covid-19/
If the Charter Holder currently operates an approved AOI, it must follow the AOI attendance requirements outlined by ADE and A.R.S. §15-808 for students enrolled in the AOI.
Action Step(s)
Person(s) Responsible
Frequency and/or Timing
Evidence of Implementation
Develop on-line lessons that will be visible to all students enrolled in that class.Create introductory video explaining the attendance procedures to students and parents.During the on-line lesson, provide students with a daily assignment that can only be completed by watching that day’s lesson. Students will provide an e-mail address specifically designated for distance learning to the registrar.Students will use e-mail address to send in their daily assignment to the teacher of each class. Attendance will be recorded daily based on the competition of the daily assignments.Teachers will then provide the daily attendance to the administration.Administration will record and reconcile attendance to ensure accuracy.
On-line Instructors Administrative TeamOn-line Instructors School Registrar On-line Instructors On-line Instructors Administrative Team & On-line Instructors Administrative Team and Registrar
Daily Early August DailyUpon enrollment Daily DailyDaily Daily
On-line videos saved for record purposesOn-line video saved for record purposesOn-line videos saved for record purposesAdministration-created form that records e-mail addresses for students. Student E-mails Student E-mails and Teacher Attendance SheetsTeacher Attendance SheetsAdministrative Attendance Sheets and State Reporting System
Describe the efforts the charter school will make to ensure all enrolled students are contacted and in communication on a regular basis.
Action Step(s)
Person(s) Responsible
Frequency and/or Timing
Evidence of Implementation
Teachers will take attendance daily based off of assignment completion from students.Students marked absent will be reported to the administration.Registrar will call home to alert parents of recorded absences.Teachers will reach out to students who did not turn in assignments.
Student E-mails, Attendance Sheets, State reporting SystemTeacher E-mails to adminCall LogsTeacher E-mails to students
Teacher and Staff Expectations and Support (1.a.ii)
Describe expectations of teachers and other staff working virtually.
Action Step(s)
Person(s) Responsible
Frequency and/or Timing
Evidence of Implementation
Teachers will create video lessons to be posted online.Lesson will meet state standards for all subjects.Lessons will be reviewed and given approval by administration.Teachers will give daily assignments, collect and report attendance. Teachers will be expected to respond throughout the day to all questions posed by students.Teachers will maintain regular working hours on their laptop to immediately address any questions or concerns.Teachers and staff will be expected to meet with the administrative team to ensure academic integrity.
Daily, beginning in advance of August 10th start date.DailyWeekly, and as neededDaily Hourly, and as needed Hourly, and as neededWeekly, and as needed
On-line videosOn-line videosTeacher-administrative e-mailsAttendance sheets and teacher e-mailsTeacher-student e-mailsTeacher-student and teacher-administrative team e-mailsSign in sheet and/or meeting log
Describe commitments on delivery of employee support services including but not limited to:
Human resource policies and support for employees; and
Regular communication from the administration.
Action Step(s)
Person(s) Responsible
Frequency and/or Timing
Evidence of Implementation
Distribution of staff informational packet containing human resource policies and support services. Creation of staff meeting calendar that will provide opportunities for support of employees. Administrative review of lessons and assignments given by teachers to provide feedback and address concerns.Designate and schedule availability times for teachers to collaborate with other teachers in response to distance learning problems and successes.Designate and schedule availability times for teachers to meet with administrative team in response to distance learning issues, concerns.Implementation of daily “wrap-up” calls between administrative team and staff.
Administrative TeamAdministrative TeamAdministrative TeamAdministrative TeamAdministrative TeamAdministrative Team
Late JulyLate JulyWeekly, and as neededWeeklyWeeklyDaily
Staff Informational PacketStaff CalendarE-mail correspondence records, and formal/informal evaluationsAvailability CalendarAvailability CalendarMeeting notes and call logs
Describe how professional development will be provided to employees.
Action Step(s)
Person(s) Responsible
Frequency and/or Timing
Evidence of Implementation
Creation of professional development calendar that includes training on on-line instruction. Designate and schedule availability times for teachers to collaborate with other teachers in response to distance learning problems and successes.Designate and schedule availability times for teachers to meet with administrative team in response to distance learning issues, concerns.Provide on-line support and coaching to staff via phone/facetime/zoom/etc.
Administrative TeamAdministrative TeamAdministrative TeamAdministrative Team
Late July, Weekly Weekly, as neededWeekly, as needed
Professional Development CalendarAvailability CalendarAvailability CalendarMeeting Notes and Call Logs
List Specific Professional Development Topics That Will Be Covered
On-line Instruction(New) Attendance Procedures (based on distance learning)FERPASPEDSocial Emotional LearningStructure and OrganizationELLHomelessnessChild Abuse Collaboration and CommunicationInstructional StrategiesFinanceDeveloping Positive Relationships w/ StudentsBenchmark Tracking“Classroom” Management Child FindBullying Student Engagement
Connectivity (1.a.iii)
Check the boxes below to indicate which was/will be used to ensure each student, teacher, and staff member has access to a device and internet connectivity if the plan relies on online learning.
Students
Teachers
Staff
What was Used to Establish Need?
Questionnaire
X
Personal Contact and Discussion
X
X
X
Needs Assessment-Available data
Other:
What will be Used to Respond to Need?
Loaner Device (laptop/tablet)
X
X
WIFI Hot Spot
Supplemental Utility Support (Internet)
Other:
X
When will stakeholders have access to IT Support Availability?
Traditional School Hours
X
Extended Weekday Hours
24/7 Support
X
X
Other:
Instructional Methods and Monitoring Learning (1.a.iii)
In the tables below, listthe methods that will be used to deliver instruction (i.e. Direct Instruction via Zoom, Independent Study, Project Based Learning via a menu of options), the content provider or program to be used (i.e. Edgenuity, Journeys, Saxon Math), and the Formative and Summative Assessment Strategies to be used, as well as the frequency of those assessments.
Instructional Methods, Content Delivery, and Monitoring Student Learning (Math)
Educational Delivery Methodologies
Content Provider/Program Used
Formative Assessment Strategies and Frequency
Summative Assessment Strategies and Frequency
Kindergarten
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1-3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4-6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7-8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9-12
Direct Instruction, Independent Study
Glencoe
Assignments – DailyQuizzes – Weekly
Unit Tests – Once every 6 weeksFinal Exams – Once per semester
Instructional Methods, Content Delivery, and Monitoring Student Learning (ELA)
Educational Delivery Methodologies
Content Provider/Program Used
Formative Assessment Strategies and Frequency
Summative Assessment Strategies and Frequency
Kindergarten
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1-3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4-6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7-8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9-12
Direct Instruction, Independent Study, On-line Group Activities and Projects, Independent/Research Based Learning
Direct Instruction, Independent Study, On-line Group Activities and Projects, Independent/Research Based Learning
Glencoe
Assignments – DailyQuizzes – Weekly
Unit Exams – Once every 6 weeksFinal Exams – Once per Semester
Optional: Describe how the school will provide substantive distance learning (use if the school wishes to provide information in addition to the tables above)
Midtown High School will provide substantive distance learning by creating daily on-line video lessons that focus on student participation. Concepts will be demonstrated daily by on-line instructors and will include a daily assignment. Students will complete the assignments and send them in to their instructors via e-mail in order to be in compliance with FERPA regulations. A variety of assessments will be used. Instructors will be responsible for continuing their state-standard curriculum in their daily lessons. Administration will monitor all lessons and activities provided by the instructors to ensure academic integrity.
Meeting the Needs of Students with Disabilities and English learners (1.a.iv)
In addition to action steps articulated in this document, all state/federal laws and IDEA assurances provided annually to the Department remain applicable and in effect.
Describe how the charter school will ensure access and meet the needs of students with disabilities.
Action Step
Person(s) Responsible
Frequency and/or Timing
Evidence of Implementation
Administration will evaluate IEP Teachers are informed of student needs.Accommodations will be included in lessons.
Upon enrollmentEarly August, as needed Daily, as needed
Special Education Student Accommodation ListSpecial Education Student Accommodation ListLesson Plans
Process for Implementing Action Step
Upon a student qualified as “special education” enrolling in the school, the administration will evaluate the student’s current IEP. Based off of the evaluation, on-line instructors will be informed of what accommodations are in the IEP. Instructors will then be provided with a Special Education Student Accommodation List that explains the accommodations required by the student. Instructors will include these accommodations within their lesson plans. Administration will review lesson plans to ensure that the accommodations meet the needs of that student.
Describe how the charter school will ensure access and meet the needs of English learners
Action Step
Person(s) Responsible
Frequency and/or Timing
Evidence of Implementation
Class Schedule will include an ELL class for English learners. Create a list of all English learning students (level included) and distribute to all on-line instructors.On-line instructors will include an ELP standard and accommodations within lesson plans to meet the needs of English learners.Schedule times for English learners that need to take the AZELLA test at school, following all CDC guidelines.
Administrative TeamELL Coordinator On-line Instructors ELL Coordinator and Registrar
DailyEarly August and as neededDailyAs needed
Master Class ScheduleELL Student ListLesson PlansSign-in sheets and AZELLA test results
Process for Implementing Action Step
In early July, the administrative team will work together while creating the master schedule to make sure that the ELL class will be scheduled each day, allowing students the required amount of time of ELL instruction.In early August, the ELL coordinator will create a list of returning ELL students, based on the students’ reassessment results from the spring of 2021, and will also include their most recent result/level. The ELL coordinator will then distribute this list to all online instructors via e-mail and will also leave a hard copy in their school mailbox. This list will be updated with any new ELL students that enroll in the school throughout the semester, upon enrollment, as well as those that require an AZELLA test, upon taking the test and receiving the results. This list will be sent to instructors immediately upon change.All on-line instructors will provide the administrative team with lesson plans for their classes that include an ELP standard, as designated by the “Pull-out Model.” Lesson plans will be due for the entire month on the last day of the month prior; i.e. November lesson plans will be due at the end of October. Upon scheduling returning ELL students and enrollment of new ELL students, when needed, the ELL coordinator will work directly with the school registrar to schedule a time for the ELL student to come into the physical school building and take the AZELLA assessment tests. All tests will be given following the current CDC guidelines.
Social and Emotional Learning Support for Students (1.a.v)
Check the boxes below to indicate which will be provided to students to support social emotional learning and how counseling services will be provided for each grade band.
Kinder
1-3
4-5
6-8
9-12
Social Emotional Learning
Teacher Check-in
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
X
Packet of Social and Emotional Topics
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Online Social Emotional videos
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
X
Parent Training
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Other:
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Kinder
1-3
4-5
6-8
9-12
Counseling Services
In-Person
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
X
Phone
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
X
Webcast
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Email/IM
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
X
Other:
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Provide a description of how the charter school will provide social and emotional learning support to students using the methods identified in the above charts.
Action Step
Person(s) Responsible
Frequency and/or Timing
Evidence of Implementation
Instructors will complete Social Emotional professional development.Daily communication with students that allow for an opportunity for the student to convey Social Emotional concerns. Teacher Check-ins via student reflection/assignment Students will be directed to online social and emotional videos via assignment.Student will reflect upon video.
DailyWeekly/monthlyDaily/weeklyOnce every 6 weeksQuarterly
Online Videos and Student-Teacher E-mail Correspondence Online Videos and Student-Teacher E-mail CorrespondenceOnline Videos and Student-Teacher E-mail CorrespondenceOnline Videos and Student-Teacher E-mail CorrespondenceAssessment Results
Benchmark Assessments (1.a.vii)
In the tables below, listthe assessments that will be used for benchmarking in grades K-12 (i.e. NWEA MAP, Galileo, Fountas and Pinnell BAS, etc.), the manner in which the assessment will be given, and the proposed date(s) the assessment(s) will be given.
Benchmark Assessments (Math)
Assessment(s) to be used (Name of Assessment and/or Assessment Provider/Creator)
Plan for Assessment (online, in person, at testing center, etc.)
Benchmark Assessments (ELA)Assessment(s) to be used (Name of Assessment and/or Assessment Provider/Creator)Plan for Assessment (online, in person, at testing center, etc.)Proposed date(s) of assessmentsKindergartenN/AN/AN/A1-3N/AN/AN/A4-6N/AN/AN/A7-8N/AN/AN/A9-12School Based-Teacher CreatedOnlineQuarterly:1 – 10/20/2020 & 10/21/20202 – 1/7/2020 & 1/8/20203 – 3/4/2020 & 3/5/20204 – 5/17/2020 & 5/18/2020Optional: Describe how the school will administer benchmark assessments (use if the school wishes to provide information in addition to the table above)
Midtown High School will use an online version of the school based, teacher created benchmark. These assessments are created by the department head teachers and based completely on Arizona state standards. To complete these assessments with 100% student and teacher safety, assessments will be administered on-line, individually to each student, through e-mail. Assessments will be timed and must be completed on the same day they are sent. On-line instructors will gather assessment results and report back to the administrative team.
Additional Information (Optional)
The charter school may use this space to add any additional information it believes is key to the plan it has laid out in this document, or to highlight its efforts to provide a quality Distance Learning Plan to its students.
Upon administrative review of the plan that has been developed, it has been determined that this will be the most effective method for the continuing education of our students. It will provide our students with every opportunity to show mastery of subject matter. The plan takes into account the circumstances facing the student body of our school. In addition, it allows for instructional staff and students to progress with their education.
Precision Academy/Midtown 