PUSD Board Special Meeting on Thursday, July 16, 2020 (Photo – KLRN)
Tonight, the PUSD Board of Education Voted unanimously to start the 20-21 School Year 100% online for all students.
By Albert Martin
The PUSD Board of Education held a Special Meeting on Thursday, July 16, to vote on the resolution to begin the fall semester entirely online. The vote was technically 4-0-1, with board member Elizabeth Pomeroy participating but unable to vote due to technical problems during the virtual Board meeting. Board members Kimberly Kenne and Roy Boulghourjian were absent from the meeting.
Re-evaluation will occur at specified times in the first semester, to assess the feasibility of in person instruction in a Hybrid model.
The systems that PUSD will use are Canvas which is a unified learning management system with parent account tools WebEx which has more robust video conferencing tools for live classroom environment
Hybrid and Online Models were both approved for instruction in the resolution.
Hybrid Model
The hybrid model utilizes district core adoptions and model units developed by specialists and PUSD teachers. Instruction in the hybrid model will be delivered by PUSD teachers following a cohort schedule. The hybrid model directly supports special programs such as DLIP (Dual Language Immersion Programs), GATE (Gifted and Talented Education), AP (Advanced Placement), IB (international Baccalaureate), and Magnet, etc.
Online Model
The online model utilizes a pre-built online program and district core adoptions. In the online model daily, live instruction delivered by PUSD teachers. There is a longer-term commitment (full year) for the online model. Currently the online model is K-12 (No TK). Possible supports are in development in the online model for special programs such as DLIP, GATE, AP, IB, and Magnet, etc.
Both models provide support for English Language Learners and students receiving Special Education services. Both are based on Standards-based curriculum that is NCAA & UC A-G approved. Access to baseline content and native online teaching is a feature of both models as well. Both models will start out the 20-21 school year online.
Parents’ Commitment
Parents are being asked to make a commitment to one model, either the hybrid model or the online model, for the entire school year. This is to ensure proper planning and staffing for the 20-21 school year.
PUSD stated that it will “work with students and families to ensure equity and access to quality instruction. Accommodations for students with disabilities, students with diverse learning needs, students who are medically vulnerable, and English Language Learners will be made as needed.”
There will be daily schedules for students and teachers, with increased live interaction. AB77 & SB98 provide universal requirements for California for distance learning. Instructional resources will be used that are content developed and designed in alignment with best practices for online instruction.
The hybrid model is PUSD’s 20-21 structure of learning where students attend school with a combination of -in person and distance learning environments. The Online Model is PUSD’s 20-21 structure of learning where students attend school in an entirely online environment while remaining enrolled at their current school.
> Watch the full PUSD Board Special Meeting on Thursday, July 16, 2020 below:
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