Distance Learning Academy
Under the governor’s executive order, all districts must offer an equitable distance learning model to all families who choose not to attend in-person or hybrid learning due to medical risks or other safety concerns. Families are not required to provide documentation of risks. PLSAS has implemented a Distance Learning Academy where students can learn entirely from home.
Grades K-5 Distance Learning Academy
The elementary DLA is a separate, online school with an enrollment of more than 600 students, and teachers who are only assigned to classrooms of DLA students. The elementary DLA model is structured this way to provide students with as much teacher and schedule continuity as possible.
Grades 6-12 Distance Learning Academy
The secondary DLA is different from the elementary DLA. It is not a separate online school but is structured so that we can maintain full class offerings with a 6-period schedule and course-specific PLSAS teachers. During the school day, secondary teachers maintain their schedule and class roster of students and provide instruction to in-person students, home hybrid students and working with DLA students remotely.
Sample K-5 Schedule
Daily, Monday-Friday
9:20-10 am
- Morning Meeting & Second Step (Google Meet)
10-10:30, 10:30-11, 11-11:30 am
-
Math/Reading Workshop: watch pre-recorded lesson; assigned small group (Google Meet); independent practice
11:30 am-12 pm
- Recess
12-12:30 pm
- Lunch
12:30-1 pm
- Teacher office hours
1-1:30 pm
- Science or Social Studies
1:30-2 pm
- Art Choices
2-2:30 pm
- Small Group (Google Meet) or Independent Reading
2:30-3, 3-3:30, 3:30-3:50 pm
- Flexible School Time*
* Flexible School Time could include: additional assigned small group time, independent practice, brain breaks, additional specialist choices, etc.
Sample 6-12 Schedule
Monday/Tuesday
Period 1
Math
Period 2
English
Period 3
Science
Lunch
Period 4
Elective
Period 5
Social Studies
Period 6
Elective
Wednesday
Periods 1-6
- Independent Work
- Access to small group support
K-12 early release day. Continue school day Distance Learning.
Thursday/Friday
Period 1
Math
Period 2
English
Period 3
Science
Lunch
Period 4
Elective
Period 5
Social Studies
Period 6
Elective
Key Features - All Grade Levels
PLSAS Teachers, PLSAS Support, PLSAS Rigor
Learning will be facilitated by highly qualified, highly trained PLSAS teachers
Equitable access to technology
Each Distance Learning Academy student will be issued a district device and will have access to all district-provided online resources
- K-2: iPad
- 3-5: Chromebook
- 6-12: iPad
Embedded Academic Support:
Elementary: access to reading intervention, social-emotional support and specialists
Middle/High School: Secondary students will be assigned a Distance Learning Coach
Social Emotional Learning
- Responsive Classroom in elementary
- Second Step in grades K-8 • BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks) in gr. 9
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all synchronous (online at the same time) class sessions and check-in with teachers daily on asynchronous (on your own) work. Teachers will take attendance daily.
Grading
Students enrolled in the Distance Learning Academy will be graded in the same ways and using the same methods as their peers.
Communication
Distance Learning Academy teachers and students will make use of the same district technology and learning tools.