Distance Learning Program

Background of Distance Learning Program

Many of our students have had highly successful experiences learning in a virtual environment. Therefore, moving forward, GLPS feels that it is necessary to offer a Distance Learning Program, not as a response to COVID-19, but as a viable learning system for students who prefer to learn virtually. Since GLPS has the capacity, knowledge, and resources to provide a Distance Learning Program, coupled with the potential for additional partnerships across the region, the district is planning to do so in an effort to meet students where they are. Traditionally in schools, time is constant and learning is variable. Our Distance Learning Program has created a situation in which learning is constant and time is variable. This idea is central to our work moving forward.

Mission of GLPS Distance Learning Program

The Grand Ledge Public Schools Virtual Program will provide high quality, exemplary virtual learning opportunities that promote distinguished academic achievement for students with diverse learning needs.

Vision of GLPS Distance Learning Program

The Grand Ledge Public Schools Virtual Program strives to be a model for creating lifelong learners who are able to maximize their abilities to build positive learning communities in a supportive, productive environment 

Structure of the Program

Students will attend classes daily via Zoom. Attendance in daily Zoom classes is required.  Students are expected to have their cameras on during live Zoom lessons. Please review the full attendance and camera policies.

Grade Levels: Students in grades 1-12 are eligible for the virtual learning program. 

Grade Level Caps: First and second grade classes are capped at 28 students and require at least 25 students for a standalone grade level section to be offered. Third through sixth grade classes are capped at 31 and require 25 for a standalone section. Middle school and high school courses cannot exceed 34 students. If the minimums are not reached, or the maximums are exceeded, additional options for families will be communicated. These options may include, but are not limited to, an exception based on enrollment requests and other section numbers, a waiting list, partnerships with other districts in Eaton County to provide options, and/or multi grade level sections. Spots will be held on a first come, first served basis.

Changing Programming: Students may opt in, or out, of the Grand Ledge Public Schools Virtual Program at the trimester only and based on availability of seats in both the virtual and in person settings. For example, if a student wants to join the program at the trimester and the section for his/her/their grade level is full, the student may have to utilize one of the options listed above. If a student wants to leave the virtual program at the trimester and sections in his/her/their home school at his/her/their grade level is full, the student may be moved to a different building or have to wait for space to become available.  

Grades 1-4: Students will receive instruction in math, literacy, science, social studies, and social and emotional standards from a virtual teacher, and they will receive instruction in physical education, music, and art from a virtual specials teacher. 100% of a student’s academic day is virtual; however, students are eligible to take part in all of the same school-wide events, coordinated with building and virtual teachers, as students learning in person. Live and on demand instruction will be part of each school day, and specific schedules and hours will be communicated by the teacher. Students should expect to engage in a full school day’s worth of learning, consisting of lessons in both formats on a daily basis.

Grades 5-6: Students will receive instruction in math, literacy, science, social studies, and social and emotional standards  from a virtual teacher, and they will receive instruction in physical education, music, STEM, and art from a virtual specials teacher. 100% of a student’s academic day is virtual; however, students are eligible to take part in all of the same school-wide events, coordinated with building and virtual teachers, as students learning in person. Enrichment courses may be provided by other online providers, or students may attend in person enrichment courses in the school building. Band, choir, and some other specialized courses may only be offered as in person sections.  Live and on demand instruction will be part of each school day, and specific schedules and hours will be communicated by the teacher. Students should expect to engage in a full school day’s worth of learning, consisting of lessons in both formats on a daily basis. 

Grades 7-12: Students will have the opportunity to sign up for virtual sections of core classes. 100% of a student’s academic day may be virtual; however, students are eligible to take part in all of the same school-wide events, coordinated with building and virtual teachers, as students learning in person. Electives may be provided by other online providers, or students may attend in person electives in the school building. Band, choir, and some other specialized courses may only be offered as in person sections.  Live and on demand instruction will be part of each school day, and specific schedules and hours will be communicated by the teacher. Students should expect to engage in a full school day’s worth of learning, consisting of lessons in both formats on a daily basis. Many electives will be offered through Michigan Virtual. MVU is a program that has contracted with Grand Ledge to provide supplemental educational courses to our students.  In the Distance Learning program, MVU will typically provide at least 1 elective course per trimester, based on student credit needs and current program offerings. MVU classes count as GL credit for graduation and GPA. Students will be assigned a GL teacher as a mentor for their MVU class.  Students will be expected to communicate with their mentors several times per week.  These communications count as attendance for the MVU classes and students who fail to maintain their required communications can be considered truant. MVU classes are considered asynchronous, as they do not have a live Zoom component. However, students have class periods in their daily schedule for each course, and it is expected that they are logged in and working on their coursework during these periods.  GL mentor teachers may also require occasional Zoom meetings during the mentor hour to check in with students.

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

1. All teachers will use a consistent learning management system and grade book.

2. All grade levels and courses will be aligned to the same essential learnings as classes taught in person, and students will be expected to master the same content as cohorts learning in person by the end of the class.

3. The virtual classes will utilize standards based grading practices in order to reflect student learning.

4. Students will be required to take all state and district standardized assessments.

5. Virtual classes will utilize Grand Ledge Public Schools curriculum materials as its base, not materials from a third party provider like Michigan or Florida Virtual. However, these materials may be used to supplement and support GLPS tools as needed and appropriate.

6. There will be required synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including support sessions. The amount of time will vary, based on topic and grade level, but it will be communicated with students up front by their classroom teachers. The program values learning opportunities and flexibility, and that value will drive these guidelines. Timeframes for learning will be communicated in advance by the classroom teacher and/or school.

Student Expectations

1. Students are expected to learn, grow, and thrive in a virtual environment designed to meet their learning needs.

2. Students are expected to communicate regularly with their teachers.

3. Students are expected to follow the code of conduct and student handbook for their assigned school building.

4. Students are expected to engage in learning activities, including synchronous and asynchronous sections.

5. Students are expected to manage their time effectively in order to maintain their coursework.

6. Students are expected to complete social/emotional and/or community building activities as well as academic activities. These are essential to a student’s mental health and school experience.

Parent Expectations

1. Parents are expected to be partners in their student’s virtual learning experience, and communicate with the virtual teacher as needed. 

2. Parents are expected to help students develop and implement a learning calendar, based on the schedule communicated by the virtual classroom teacher.

3. Parents are expected to provide a regular virtual learning space for students in order to maximize a learning routine.

Best Practices for Distance Learning

• Create a home learning space: Having a space dedicated to only school, with a chair and a hard surface such as a desk or table will help your student to focus and create a distinct line between ‘school time’ and ‘home time.’  

• Keep your class schedule and create a routine/plan: Students will have set times to attend class via Zoom. However, supporting the school day routine will help provide focus. Encourage your student to use their school time wisely.

• Minimize distractions: As much as possible, try to help your student minimize outside distractions such as phones, video games or other electronics.

• Schedule check-ins for schoolwork: Even if it is only 5 minutes to sit next to your student and have them show you their schoolwork, providing a check-in helps reinforce the fact that students are in school.

• Utilize available District Resources: Students who attend GL via the Distance Learning Program are still students of their home buildings and have the same access to resources such as the counselors and extra curricular services/activities.  

• Realize that there will be setbacks, and help your student to overcome: Assignments will occasionally be turned in late.  Students will at times struggle with material.  School is a learning experience in more than just content. Encourage your student to reach out to teachers and mentors, identify issues, and create a plan for future success.  

Materials Required

• Computer with working webcam, microphone and internet access (If you need this technology, you will be able to request it from the district)
• Pencils, pens, markers or colored pencils
• Paper, notebooks
• Binder or folder to help with organization