From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — The Jefferson County School system is offering options to students enrolled in county schools.
A roadmap detailing the current plan was released on July 23, 2020. However, school system leaders say the plan is subject to change. The system is currently surveying parents to get an idea of what they prefer in the fall.
The first day of school is planned for Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020.
There are four options: Traditional, Remote, Blended and Virtual School (long-term). All parents should familiarize themselves with all three scenarios, because if the Alabama Department of Public Health or the Jefferson County Department of Health issues a 50% capacity health order, all students participating in a traditional school model would transition to a blended learning model.
TRADITIONAL
Traditional school will be a face-to-face school model similar to that of Fall 2019 and previous years. A combination of technology integration support and face-to-face classroom methods will be provided in all classrooms in an on-campus setting. Students will report to their designated school five days each week on a regular school schedule and be taught by JEFCOED teachers. Students who are exposed or test positive for COVID-19 while in a traditional model will be allowed to transition to remote learning and back to traditional learning based on health status.
REMOTE
Students will remotely attend their designated school from a site off campus, usually from their home. Remote learning focuses on providing continuity of the standards-aligned instruction that students would typically receive in a traditional scenario. Learning activities are planned, facilitated, and assessed by JEFCOED teachers using the Schoology learning management system. Students will attend classes remotely using the Schoology portal. Teachers will provide whole group and small group instruction. Additional regular check-in times with individual students will also be required in the remote model. Remote learning through Schoology will occur five days each week using best practices for learning in a digital environment. If the Alabama Department of Public Health or the Jefferson County Department of Health issues a health order that would require a school closure, all students participating in a traditional school model would transition to a remote learning model.
BLENDED
The blended learning model falls under the traditional instructional scenario. If the Alabama Department of Public Health or the Jefferson County Department of Health issues a 50% capacity health order, all students participating in a traditional school model would transition to a blended learning model. Students will participate in both traditional school on campus and remote learning from home using Schoology. All instruction will be provided by JEFCOED teachers. In this model, students would attend school on campus two days each week on a Monday/Tuesday or Thursday/Friday schedule. Remote instruction would be provided via Schoology on Wednesdays and the remaining two school days for which the student is not scheduled to attend school on campus.
VIRTUAL SCHOOL LONG-TERM
The Jefferson County Virtual Academy of Learning (JCVAL) is provided for students seeking a virtual pathway for their K-12 school experience. Students who attend virtual school can expect 100% of their instruction to take place online. Learning activities are planned, facilitated, and assessed by virtual school teachers via Edmentum, an outside vendor. Virtual school is not a temporary option due to COVID-19 and does not correlate to traditional school environments.
Jefferson County Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin released a video message to parents. For a detailed look at the roadmap, including registration information, safety precautions, and operational procedures, see the full roadmap below. You can also click here for more information on athletics and student services.
JEFCOED Roadmap Approved by the Board 7 23 2020