Safe Return To School / Safe Return To School

New 2020-2021 Schedule

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Tuesday, Sept. 8
The first day of school will now be Tuesday, Sept. 8. All students will participate in online learning as school buildings remain closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Monday, Oct. 5
School buildings are scheduled to open Monday, Oct. 5. Students will have the opportunity to transition to in-person learning or continue online learning through the CISD Virtual Learning Academy.

Why The Delayed Start?
Health and safety come first in Crowley ISD. As we work with officials to monitor the spread of COVID-19 in our community, we must rely on science, data and common sense as we make these difficult decisions that impact all families. These delays will help us better implement the newest health and safety guidelines, provide additional training time for staff and distribute devices to students. Additional delays may be required based on the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you for your flexibility and patience as we work together to protect each other.

2020-2021 School Calendar
Guidelines and Health Orders
Video Archive
Frequently Asked Questions

Students and Parents
Faculty and Staff
Health and Safety
Special Education

Student and Parent Questions
What type of learning opportunities will Crowley ISD offer students for the 2020-2021 school year?
We plan to offer both in-person learning and online learning for students. But based on the order released by the Tarrant County health authorities on July 21, 2020, the school year will start with only online learning for all students and school buildings will remain closed.

Do I still need to complete a commitment form for either online or in-person instruction?
Not at this time. Since all students will begin the school year online, families will not have to make a decision between online or in-person learning at this time. Please watch for updates on new commitment forms as we get close to the start of in-person learning.

Will students be able transfer from in-person to online or from online to in-person instruction during the year after campuses reopen?
Yes, families will have flexibility to switch between learning models at the start of each new six-week grading period. Requests to move from one mode of instruction will be evaluated on a case by case basis. These decisions will be based on available space, resources and a review of the course compatibility between the two formats. If you are interested in moving from one mode of instruction to the other within the semester, please contact your child’s principal.

How will online learning work?
Students who select online learning will be enrolled in the CISD Virtual Learning Academy. More information can be found on the Safe Return to School webpage. Updates will be made as TEA guidance is received and further plans are finalized.

What course options will my child have in the CISD Virtual Learning Academy?
Core academic courses will be offered at all grade levels. Elective options are being explored and are not guaranteed to mirror those offered on campus.

• Grades Pre-K-5: Will design online courses with the guidance and support of the CISD Curriculum Department. Content will be delivered via the SeeSaw learning platform (PK-5^th) and Google Classroom (3^rd-5^th). Students will be taught by and interact regularly with a certified Crowley ISD teacher.

• Grades 6-8: If enrollment allows, middle school core courses will be taught directly by a teacher via Google Classroom. Edgenuity, an online curriculum platform, with courses aligned with CISD curriculum and pacing will serve as the instructional delivery method for any courses that do not meet this threshold.

• Grades 9–12: If enrollment allows, STAAR EOC courses will be taught directly by a teacher via Google Classroom. Edgenuity, an online curriculum platform, with courses aligned with CISD curriculum and pacing will serve as the instructional delivery method for any courses that do not meet this threshold. Many Advanced Placement courses will be available via Edgenuity. TCC has announced that they will be offering most Dual Credit Courses virtually. CISD Virtual Learning Academy students may take advantage of these offerings as well. Complete course guides for high school students are being developed now and will be updated soon.

What kind of technology devices are required to participate in the CISD Virtual Learning Academy, and will CISD provide devices for students who need them?
Students will need to have access to a Google Chromebook, laptop computer, tablet or other similar device to participate in the CISD Virtual Learning Academy. If the student does not have access to a device, families can submit a request for a device to the district.

Will my child be required to participate in a full day of online learning in this CISD Virtual Learning Academy?
Yes. CISD will complete required documentation for the Texas Education Agency in order to offer remote instruction. This will require virtual students to be enrolled in a full course load each day of instruction. The mode of instruction will vary by grade level and subject matter. Most students will follow a regular course schedule throughout the day, similar to the multiple class periods offered in a face-to-face campus setting.

If my child returns to in-person instruction in school after time in the CISD Virtual Learning Academy, will they have the same schedule?
The student will receive a new schedule. Students will receive the same core academic courses, (math, science, language arts, social studies), but not necessarily at the same time. We are currently finalizing online elective offerings for all levels and there is no guarantee there will be a direct correspondence to the in-person offerings.

Will the CISD Virtual Learning Academy have set instructional times or self-paced learning?
All pacing will be in alignment with the CISD Curriculum Map. Specific times will be set for direct instruction. Students are required to be ‘present’ via Zoom for these sessions.

How will the CISD Virtual Learning Academy differ from the distance learning that occurred in the spring?
The emergency measures taken in the spring were designed to keep as many of the students engaged in the learning process as possible. For the 2020-2021 school year, engagement will remain important, but it is crucial for the future of our students that a full year of academic growth occur regardless of setting. We still believe strongly that face-to-face learning and connection is most beneficial for the vast majority of students, but we have streamlined our process and dedicated ourselves to ensuring that the virtual learning experience will be successful for those students that do not yet feel comfortable coming to school in person. It will take a very close partnership between the teacher, the parent and the student for all to be successful.

Will CISD Virtual Learning Academy students be allowed to participate in on-campus extracurricular activities?
Possibly. CISD is currently awaiting guidance from TEA and UIL and will communicate this guidance when further information becomes available.

Will transportation be provided for CISD Virtual Learning Academy students participating in on-campus extracurricular activities (if allowed)?
No.

Will the CISD Virtual Learning Academy be synchronous (live) or asynchronous (self-paced)?
Virtual learning will be a blend of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (self-paced). For courses with enough students to dedicate a full-time virtual teacher, students will interact daily with that teacher in a synchronous setting. For courses where “adjunct” faculty are required, a majority of those courses will be asynchronous with teacher office hours to provide support as needed.

Will the CISD Virtual Learning Academy be structured like a campus-based schedule with virtual attendance requirements and lunch periods?
Yes. For any course offered synchronously, students will be required to be in attendance at a daily designated time, just as they would in a campus-based schedule. For courses offered asynchronously, attendance will be taken via one of three methods authorized by the Texas Education Agency: student progress in the Learning Management System (LMS), curricular progress from teacher/student interactions, or completion and submission of assignments planned for that day.

Will students be graded with pass/fail results in both online and in-person environments? No. Per the Texas Education Agency’s guidance on grading, grading policies for virtual learning must mirror on-campus grading expectations that were in place pre-COVID. All students will be graded according to Crowley ISD’s grading policy, and courses for high school credit will be factored into student GPA and class rank.

Are students in the CISD Virtual Learning Academy expected to be logged in and sitting in front of the computer all day?
For courses offered synchronously, students are required to be in attendance at a daily designated time. Based on enrollment numbers, synchronous courses will include all core content areas (reading, math, science & social studies). During synchronous instruction, teachers will teach a lesson, then release students to work in small groups or independently based on the daily assignment. The teacher will remain available to support students and answer questions during this time. For courses offered asynchronously (i.e. an elective course), students will be provided daily expectations of the assignments to be completed that day, which they can then complete at their own pace.

Will teachers in the CISD Virtual Learning Academy be available live during school hours? How will they interact with students?
For courses taught synchronously, yes, teachers will be available live during school hours. They will both provide direct instruction and be available to answer student questions via videoconference. For courses taught asynchronously, teachers will host weekly office hours via videoconference and will provide feedback weekly to students on their progress in the course.

Faculty and Staff Questions
Who will teach the CISD Virtual Learning Academy?
Preference will be given to teachers who meet requirements to be a virtual teacher based on the staffing needs of the district. Selected teachers will be reallocated to the district level. Teachers must have the appropriate certifications to teach the virtual courses.

What will the work schedule be for a CISD Virtual Learning Academy teacher?
The duty day for the virtual teacher will be 7.5 hours per day, generally from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. However, it is essential that CISD Virtual Learning Academy teachers be flexible in the event there is a change in the teacher workday start and end times, or in instances when parent contact or student feedback needs to occur after hours. Virtual teachers will work from their home campus classrooms or another designated area in district and will shift back to in-person teaching at their home campus in the event it is no longer necessary for them to instruct virtually.

Will the CISD Virtual Learning Academy teachers be trained to instruct in the new format?
Yes. In fact, all CISD teachers will receive training specific to online instruction in the event that a school closure is necessary during the 2020-2021 school year. CISD Virtual Learning Academy teachers will receive additional ongoing and extensive training in education technology and multi-modal learning design.

Health and Safety Questions
What specific health protocols will be in place for in-person learning?
Protective measures, including social distancing, face coverings, temperature checks and other health requirements will be based on state and county guidelines.

Will there be other measures taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19?
Yes. All students and staff will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms regularly, and individuals who present with symptoms will be separated and sent home. Staff will be required to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms prior to reporting to work each day. Teachers will monitor students and refer to the nurse if symptoms are present. Strict stay-at-home policy for any students or staff exhibiting symptoms of COVID 19, physical distancing recommendations and reorganization of rooms to allow for more physical space.

Hand sanitizer will be available in each classroom and in high-traffic areas. Each classroom will also be stocked with products to clean and sanitize desks, chairs, doors, handles and other surfaces during the day.

Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting, including daily cleaning for all areas of the school, restrooms and high-touch surfaces cleaned several times a day and regularly scheduled deep cleaning when students are not present. Plexiglass shields will be installed at reception and attendance desks.

Special Education Questions
Can students served in a self-contained classroom apply to the CISD Virtual Learning Academy?
Yes. The ARD committee, of which the parent is an essential member, will determine critical skills to be addressed during remote learning. Although services will not mirror face-to-face service delivery, special education services will be provided through synchronous (direct) and asynchronous (indirect) models, which may alter the specialized supports and related services provided.

How will students served in a regular education classroom be served if they opt to attend the CISD Virtual Learning Academy?
Students who are eligible to receive special education services will continue to receive free appropriate public education (FAPE) if they opt to attend the CISD Virtual Learning Academy. The ARD committee will meet to determine critical skills to be addressed during virtual learning. Although services will not mirror face to face service delivery, special education services will be provided through synchronous (direct) and asynchronous (indirect) models. Students will continue to have access to grade level content, while receiving special education support and related services identified by the ARD committee.

Safe Return To School

2020-2021 School Calendar

Guidelines and Health Orders

Video Archive

Frequently Asked Questions