Marburn Academy Distance Learning Plan

MARBURN ACADEMY DISTANCE LEARNING PLAN

Marburn recognizes that distance learning is not a substitute for in-person, day-to-day instruction and is particularly difficult for children with learning differences. With this in mind, we have taken feedback from the spring to provide the best digital learning experience for the start of the school year.

FIVE KEY COMPONENTS

Our plan takes into account five key components that we believe are necessary to best serve students in a digital format.

Consistent Structures Live Classes Small Class Sizes Advisory Offering a Full Program

ADVISING ENTITIES

FIVE KEY COMPONENTS FOR DISTANCE LEARNING Consistent Structures: We heard from faculty and families in the spring and understand the value of consistent and predictable structures. This includes having similar structures for our Learning Management Systems, online hours that hold closely to the regular school day, and training on a consistent set of technology tools to allow students to become more independent with their work.

Live Classes: We know how important it is for students to have real time access to teachers and participate in classes. In addition, we understand that students can struggle to maintain focus during long periods of time on screen. With this in mind, we have kept all live classes to approximately 30 minutes.

To make the most of our live time, we will be using a flipped classroom model. The flipped classroom is designed to have students first-exposure to topics prior to class, which helps build background knowledge in preparation for the processing part of learning that happens during live class time. With this model, there may be additional videos or materials sent before live class time to prepare for the meeting.

Additionally, students may have homework assignments that include recursive practice. We do want to note that we are mindful of the stress of remote learning and will work with individual divisions to have developmentally appropriate work.

Small Class Sizes: One of the things that makes Marburn unique is the ratio of students to teachers. We are committed to reducing class sizes and meeting in small groups whenever possible. For example, in Lower and Middle Division classes, we anticipate meeting 8:1 for many core classes including: Panther Block, Math, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. In the High School, we are committed to working with the schedule to reduce the size of classes and ensure advisory groups are as small as possible to provide individual attention for students.

We believe that this provides enhanced access to the teacher which benefits students in-person and during distance learning.

Advisory: During distance learning, it is important for students to continue to have an advisor who they can work with to solve problems, develop individual goals, and maintain communication with parents. We are committed to making sure that advisory time is included in daily schedules to support students in distance learning.

Offering a Full Program: We are committed to offering a full class schedule for students, including all the classes they would typically go to throughout the day when we are in person.

DISTANCE LEARNING EXPECTATIONS Moving into a distance learning model can be challenging for everyone involved.

However, we believe that the structures provided will help students. With that, we are enacting some guidelines to help students be successful during this time.

Daily Schedule: Students will be given a schedule with designated times and codes for each class. Students are expected to attend classes and participate in lessons daily.

Attendance: Attendance will be taken, and if a class is missed, students will be notified and make-up work will be assigned. Being present in class is one of the most important components of successful distance learning.

Participation: The camera for every Google Meet session needs to be turned on so that we can see students are engaged and participating in lessons. In addition, dress down code must be followed for appropriate dress while in class.

Absences: If you anticipate an absence from live classes, please contact your teacher. Requests for specific class recordings can be made to your Division Head. If you are having difficulty attending a specific class, please reach out so we can work with your family to problem solve.

Behavioral Guidelines: Marburn's approach to behavior management is based upon our Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities, which outlines general behavioral expectations. Students are expected to abide by the same expectations as if we were in the building.

Communication: Please continue to communicate with teachers, advisors, and administrators throughout this time. It is important to note that teachers will be following the regular school day, so if you send a message later in the evening, you may not get a response until the next day.

Grading: Students will be assigned grades similarly to if they were in the building. There may be some areas, including levels of independence and some GLO categories, that we will be unable to assign via remote learning.

TIPS FOR SETTING UP YOUR HOME Work Space Dedicate a consistent and distraction-free space in your home for students to report to school. Preferably this would include a cleared counter or desk and chair.

Limit Distractions Ensure TV, radios, phones, video games, and other distractions are limited during school hours. These can cause distractions that can impact a student’s participation in class.

School Routine Our distance learning schedule is designed to resemble a typical school day schedule. Maintaining a schedule with a consistent morning routine and evening routine is important to help students feel rested and ready for the day.

In addition, some families have found that having their students get ready for the day in their school uniform has helped get students into a school mindset.

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE Students who fall under Level 1 and Level 2 services, will continue individual sessions with our Speech Language Pathologists. The SLP coordinator will be in contact to set up tele-therapy services on a distance learning platform.

DISTANCE LEARNING PLATFORM Marburn will use PowerSchool for High School and Google Classrooms in the Middle and Lower Divisions. If you have any difficulty logging in, please contact your teacher, division head, or send an email to techrequests@marburnacademy.org

DISTANCE LEARNING AGREEMENT FOR FAMILIES In the fall teachers will be reviewing the Distance Learning Agreement with students to help establish what it looks like to be “in school� at home.

I AGREE TO: Be present and participate in classes. This includes having the camera on and answering questions in class.

Be respectful. Keep comments on topic and kind. Use the comment box for questions or responses.

Follow all teacher directions. Our time is short, so it is important we work together.

Be dressed and in your workspace. We highly encourage students to wear school uniforms, but students must follow the dress down dress code at minimum.

Have appropriate school materials in my workspace. This means not having stuffed animals, pets, video games, or phones during school hours.

Attend office hours as needed or as required by Marburn Faculty.

Follow the Student Rights & Responsibilities.

955 Johnstown Rd. New Albany, OH 43054 614.433.0822 | marburnacademy.org