RCS REOPENING: Distance-Learning information & FAQ

Rutherford County Schools will reopen instruction beginning in August, and parents can choose either in-person instruction or a distance-learning plan.

The following provides parents with information about the distance-learning option and how to sign-up.

DISTANCE LEARNING OPTION

Dr. Sullivan introduces district outline for distance learning option, link to forms

VIDEO: Dr. James Sullivan, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for Rutherford County Schools, introduces parents to the distance learning option available for students when schools open for the 2020-21 school year. https://youtu.be/g4QnQ1DyWdM

Distance Learning:

Distance learning is a mode of instruction in which students are provided access to high quality instruction, instructional materials, and teacher/student interaction.
Distance learning instruction will be provided by a Rutherford County teacher(s) at each student’s registered school.
Distance Learning daily instruction will be made available via the Kiddom platform.
- Zoom/Microsoft Teams will be used for live and recorded sessions in which the teacher provides direct instruction.
- Kiddom is the platform that will be used to assign, communicate, and collect student work.
RCS Attendance Policy and Tennessee attendance requirements are in effect.
- For students participating in distance they must be interacting and responding to instruction. Teachers will take attendance for each class based on the following.
  - Completion of daily lesson requirements
  - Submission of an assignment for the class
  - Participation in an online discussion for the class
  - Participation in synchronous learning in an online classroom
  - Completion of an assessment for the class
  - Discussions with the teacher/class via phone call, email, or online meeting.

Registration:

Microsoft Form link below. Parents complete Form notifying RCS of intent
Parents will complete a registration form for each child to opt-in to distance learning instead of traditional instruction.
Completed registration form will be emailed or delivered to the school for registration purposes.
Registration form deadline has been extended to August 5.
Students registered for distance learning will stay enrolled/scheduled with same schedule as if they were attending in a traditional setting.

FORM LINK to opt-in for Distance Learning:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=j8uWO0wXZUuC61zDi54GbMu1KGrKhF9FobK4xJlbHIdUMlBFNTZaR0ZKNUo0UDI1SUZXMERPMTdWSC4u

After parents complete the above opt-in form, they must complete this registration form and submit it to their school:

English: https://4.files.edl.io/ae38/07/13/20/235839-cdabd6aa-fd37-4a8b-89eb-7b921fb96edf.pdf

En Espanol: https://4.files.edl.io/c038/07/16/20/153214-6fdd396d-93b0-4644-9b53-0dee4aeb98a8.pdf

Arabic: https://4.files.edl.io/ee98/07/16/20/212003-066e9574-1ce2-4285-9689-3742f83ff227.pdf

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DISTANCE-LEARNING:

Spanish version
Arabic version

Question: What is distance learning?

Answer: Distance learning is a mode of instruction in which students are provided access to high quality instruction, instructional materials, and teacher/student interaction

Question: How do I sign up for distance learning?

Answer: It is a two-step process.

Complete this LINK to notify RCS of your intent to opt-in to distance learning.
Then complete the REGISTRATION FORM and email/deliver to your child’s registered school. (Front office drop off or email principal and/or attendance secretary)
Luego complete el FORMULARIO DE INSCRIPCIÓN y envíelo por correo electrónico a la escuela registrada de su hijo. (Entrega en la recepción o correo electrónico al director y / o secretario de asistencia)

Question: If a parent chooses distance learning, how long is the commitment?

Answer: After feedback from our parents and principals, the commitment is for a nine weeks period. After each nine weeks, a parent can choose to change between traditional and distance learning. However, during an extenuating circumstance, each school will work with parents to discuss options as needed.

TEACHING AND LEARNING:

Question: Will my student have the same teacher as if they were attending in person?

Answer: This will be school specific. Students will be scheduled as if they were attending in a traditional format. They will access course content via the Kiddom platform and will interact with the teacher via Zoom and Microsoft Teams. However, if a school has enough students at a grade level/course who choose distance learning, that school may choose to assign a teacher to distance learning students solely.

Question: Are students expected to sit in front of a computer for 6.5 hours each day if we are choosing distance learning?

Answer: Students will be provided access to content through their normal schedule if they choose distance learning. It is not expected or advised that a student spend 6.5 hours interacting solely on a computer/device. Daily activities can include: live class with teacher, viewing recorded sessions, participating in online modules/activities, completing assessments, etc.

Question: Can my child come to school for some classes and attend via distance learning for others?

Answer: No, students need to either be enrolled traditionally or in distance learning. The only scenarios involving a student enrolled in distance learning attending a “traditional” in person-class would involve students receiving specialized services, instruction, or intervention served under an IEP, 504 or ESL.

Question: Will students receive grades if attending through distance learning?

Answer: Yes, grades will be taken just as if the student was attending traditionally.

Question: Will attendance be taken and if so, how?

Answer: Yes, RCS Attendance Policy and Tennessee requirements are still in effect. Students will be credited with attendance as long as they are participating and interacting with the teacher and completing course requirements. Students will be marked as “D” for distance learning in Skyward’s parent portal. This indicates that the student was present.

Question: Will students have access to the same courses/classes if they choose distance learning?

Answer: Yes, all course offerings are still available. Some courses will not be able to provide the same experience as in a traditional setting such as Driver’s Ed and some high school CTE courses. Students will still be able to enroll in AP, Dual Enrollment, IB, Cambridge, etc.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

Question: Are students allowed to participate in extracurricular activities if they attend via distance learning?

Answer: Yes, since these students are still enrolled at their home school, they are eligible to attend. They are still considered a student at the school but are receiving instruction in an online format.

Question: I see other counties aren’t allowing participation. Why is RCS different?

Answer: Each district is different. TSSAA does not allow participation for students attending a fully online Virtual School (such as the Rutherford County Virtual School). However, since students choosing distance learning are staying enrolled in their normal assigned school, they are eligible to participate.

TECHNOLOGY:

Question: Will students have access to check out a device if needed?

Answer: Yes, each school will handle device checkout similar to what occurred in the spring. This will also be coordinated with textbooks for students enrolled in distance learning.

Question: I have more than one child, can I check out more than one device?

Answer: Yes, but the device would need to be checked out from the school that each child attends. Ex: If you have one student at elementary and one at middle, you would need to visit both sites. We understand the extra stop this requires but is needed for our inventory purposes.

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FAQ: Special Populations

I have a child with special needs. How will my child receive services?

Answer: As a parent, you still may choose a distance learning option. If your child returns to school, his/her services will be implemented as written in your child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). If you choose distance learning, the IEP team will need to meet to develop a Contingency Learning Plan which will address if/how IEP services will differ using an online platform for distance learning.

How are the needs of students receiving specialized instruction (including but not limited to IEP and 504) taken into consideration under the options available in the reopening plan?

Answer: Regardless of the mode of instruction in use under the continuum of learning, students who have an IEP will have the same opportunities as students without IEPs. The district will work to provide appropriate services to meet the student’s individual needs for both a traditional and a distance learning setting.

How will RCS focus on mental health?

Answer: Rutherford County Schools recognizes that for some students, social distancing and the closure of schools has been difficult. School social workers will work together with teachers, staff, guidance counselors, and families to connect families with the appropriate resources to assist students in the transition back to school.

My child receives specialized English language development classes. Will he/she be able to continue receiving these services?

Answer: Yes. Regardless of the mode of instruction, all English learners will receive the required amount of English language development services they need to continue developing English language proficiency.

What do I do if I have questions or concerns about my child’s English development?

Answer: Your student’s ESL Teacher is always a great place to start. Prior to the teachers return to the classroom, parents are encouraged to reach out to the district’s ESL Department at 615-893-5815 x22148.

How will I get information if I don’t speak or read English very well?

Answer: All information will be translated in the language of the home through a variety of ways both at the school and district level. Information directly posted on the RCS Web Page can be translated by scrolling to the very bottom and selecting the desired language in the drop-down menu. If you need help with translation, please contact Mrs. Nona Hall at 615-893-5815 ext. 22148.

My child has significant health issues, but also has extensive IEP services. How will his needs for IEP services be met while distance learning?

Answer: Distance learning will not be the same as traditional services in school. Instead of participating in person, services will be delivered virtually through tools such as Microsoft TEAMS, Zoom, and Kiddom. In addition, we have a variety of online instructional tools we are able to use in order to provide instruction lessons virtually. Because the needs of each child are unique, your student’s IEP team will need to meet to develop an individualized Contingency Learning Plan for use during optional distance learning and/or school closures in the future. This plan will address the specific questions unique to your student. This will be done during your child’s next annual IEP, or as soon as it can be scheduled for those choosing a distance learning option.

Will my child be able to join the class remotely (through zoom or Microsoft TEAMS) to participate in the instruction as it is occurring in the building? How will this be accomplished? How will his questions be recognized and answered in that moment?

Answer: All students will have the same distance learning opportunities available to them. Some classes will have a live Zoom or Microsoft TEAMS link to participate. There will be information provided about Zoom and/or Microsoft TEAMS participation for all students. Students will be given information about how to ask questions. They will likely use the “raise hand” feature and/or the chat feature within those platforms.

Will distance learning be more than just logging onto iReady? How will it differ from what happened in March?

Answer: Distance Learning opportunities provided last spring were learning opportunities provided to prevent regression. Distance learning this fall will involve active instruction, assignment requirements, teacher feedback and grading. Students will be expected to complete tasks. In addition to assignments given (which may include but are not limited to iReady and other educational software), teachers will be working with students over a variety of distance learning platforms.

Will my child have access to actual books and materials and not just online resources?

Answer: All students will have the same access to materials. Contact your child’s school to arrange for pick-up of textbooks.

When will my Evaluation which was delayed due to COVID 19 be completed?

Answer: he district is working on a plan to address the needed evaluations. The school psychology team as well as our other assessment specialists will be working together to complete the evaluations as soon as possible. Your school team will contact you to schedule the evaluation. We will begin evaluations as soon as school re-opens.

I feel my child has regressed significantly during the school shut down. How will the school address this regression?

Answer: Schools will be assessing students upon the return to school and looking at previous data from last school year to determine the amount of regression. We will be addressing the regression for all students with opportunities for review and reteaching. If a parent is concerned about the level of regression, an IEP team meeting should be requested so that the IEP team can create a plan to address each student’s need.

What should I do if I have additional questions about my student’s IEP services?

Answer: Your student’s Special Education Teacher is always a great place to start. Prior to the teachers return to the classroom, parents are encouraged to reach out to the school principal. If the school principal is not able to answer the specific questions, feel free to contact our Special Education Office at 615-893-5812 x22035.

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FAQ: Fine Arts (6-12 Band, Orchestra, Choir and Theater)

Will students be able to participate in performing arts classes if they are distance learning?

Answer: Yes. Students will be enrolled in these classes just as if they were attending in-person. They will be a member of the band, choir, orchestra, and/or theater program at their school. This includes beginning classes, such as beginning band or orchestra.

Will distance learners be able to participate in extracurricular programs, such as marching band?

Answer: Yes. Performing arts programs can be both curricular (a class that takes place during the school day) and extracurricular (an activity that takes place outside the school day). Distance learning students can participate in both. Individual schools and programs can answer more specific questions about this participation.

How will distance learners participate in performing arts classes?

Answer: RCS is investing in two music programs that will benefit both in-person and distance learning music students at RCS middle and high schools. This year, band and orchestra students will have access to the SmartMusic program, and middle and high school choir students will have access to the MusicFirst program. All music students will be able to access assignments on Kiddom and complete assignments in SmartMusic or MusicFirst. These programs will allow both traditional learners and distance learners to access music and sight-reading exercises assigned by the teacher. Teachers will have information about access to these programs once school begins. Theater programs also have access to virtual tools, such as Flipgrid, which allow students to receive feedback from teachers on their performance. Some distance learners may also opt to join performing arts classes virtually or view pre-recorded videos provided by their teachers, depending on what is offered at their school.

What steps will RCS schools be taking to mitigate any risks associated with playing an instrument, singing, or theatrical speaking?

Answer: RCS leaders are constantly monitoring research and expert recommendations regarding safety and mitigation strategies for the performing arts. Mitigation strategies may look slightly different from school to school based on factors such as room layout and class size. Distancing and cleaning procedures will be in place. Some instrument-specific mitigation strategies will be used when appropriate. Some innovative instruction methods, such as chamber ensembles, blended instruction, and flipped classroom models may be used when deemed appropriate. Safety of our students is always our first priority, and procedures at each school will be based on how the most up-to-date research and expert recommendations can best be implemented at each school.

What about performances?

Answer: RCS will continue to work with our local health department to determine when it is safe to resume large gatherings for in-person events such as concerts and plays.

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FAQ: Career and Technical Education (6-12)

Providing High-Quality CTE Instruction

How will you work to rebuild a classroom community and support learners social-emotional needs?
- Teachers will lead by example demonstrating flexibility, creating a positive atmosphere, and practicing safety protocols.
- Teachers will encourage students to have a positive attitude and a teamwork mindset.
How can you design projects and group work with social distancing in mind?
- Use of video recording of instruction as much as allows and allow students to collaborate virtually even when in the same room to encourage social distancing.
- Project-based learning will have to be designed/re-designed with more attention focused on projects that can be done individually or even remotely.
- Use of TEAMS and Zoom to collaborate with the teacher and with classmates and use of Kiddom to access the assignments, materials, and videos.

How will students utilizing Distance Learning participate in CTE courses?
- Students will have access to the Kiddom platform and their teachers and lessons. Where needed, they may also have access to CTE courses using the Edgenuity platform to supplement content knowledge.

Assessing CTE Students

How will you assess learning loss in CTE when classes resume?
- Teachers will review standards from previous CTE coursework pre-requisites to determine what will need to be reinforced before advancing to new standards and material.
How will changes made to assessments for social distancing impact accommodations for special populations?
- CTE teachers should follow district accommodation guidelines.
- Assessment accommodations should adhere to Individual Education Plans for each student.

Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSO)

Are there travel restrictions in place that affect student participation in events?
- There will be no CTSO travel during the Fall semester. Any CTSO competition with competitors or leadership opportunities outside of your school must take place in a virtual setting. Spring CTSO travel and competition requests will be evaluated as we near the end of the Fall semester.
How can students participate in leadership training with social distancing or virtually if in-person events are cancelled?
- Teachers and students will be able to use the TEAMS or Zoom platforms to conduct virtual meetings for leadership activities.
Can CTSOs still have club meetings?
- Yes. In-person CTSO meetings can take place as long as the six feet social distancing guidelines are in place and students adhere to all policies such as face coverings if required by the district. It is recommended that meeting opportunities also be provided through an online format such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom for those attending at home.
If TN CTSOs host competitive events virtually, which events will be available to students, and how can you help them prepare?
- Students will be allowed to participate in any available CTSO event that the TDOE deems appropriate. They will prepare by using the competition guidelines and will collaborate in-person and virtually as applicable.

Work-Based Learning – WBL

Will students be allowed to participate in WBL opportunities off-campus?
- Yes, as long as they are enrolled in the WBL course, have a job in the public/private sector, and follow workplace procedures and Rutherford County Schools’ policies.
- School level Work-based Learning Coordinators will visit the students’ places of employment as outlined in the WBL Roles and Responsibilities document while adhering to workplace procedures and Rutherford County Schools’ policies.
Will students be allowed to participate in Clinical Health Science placements?
- Yes, as long as they are enrolled in the Clinical Internship course, have a placement that is willing to accept our students, and follow workplace procedures and Rutherford County Schools’ policies. Students may also practice skills in the lab space at their respective high schools while practicing social distancing and following District recommended CDC guidelines.

Lab Areas, Equipment, Textbooks, & Materials

Will students be allowed in the CTE Lab areas?
- Yes, the CTE Lab areas are an extension of the classroom and will be utilized.
Will students be able to use CTE Equipment and Materials in the lab area?
- Yes, the equipment and materials will be sprayed with the provided 4-minute sanitizing spray as applicable or protective gear will be in place as to not damage the equipment.
- Disposable gloves, protective face masks, and all other safety precautions (including social distancing) will still be in place based on safety requirements per CTE Program of Study.
Will students be able to use the classroom set of CTE Textbooks?
- Yes, CTE only purchases classroom sets of textbooks. Books will need to be sanitized between uses.

RCS REOPENING: Distance-Learning information & FAQ

Attached Files