GHC Distance Learning Policy
This Policy sets forth the expectations of students and parents/guardians while students are engaging in distance learning at Granada Hills Charter (“GHC”). This policy should be considered a supplemental resource to existing GHC policies found in the GHC PARENT-STUDENT Handbook.
“Distance learning” is a mode of classroom instruction that can be delivered either through teacher directed instruction via the internet or a combination of online and traditional classroom-based instruction, called a “hybrid” model. This allows students and teachers to be in different locations and use various technologies to facilitate instruction and teacher-student interaction.
INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL
Synchronous Instruction or “Live Sessions”
During live sessions, teachers will provide a minimum of thirty (30) minutes of classroom interaction in an eighty (80) minute class session and twenty (20) minutes during the forty (40) minute 0/7 period session. Interactive instructional time needs to be continuous and may include some direct instruction; however, it must include multiple opportunities for interaction, application, and feedback including, but not limited to, video/audio with discussion, teacher-student/student-student interaction, application of knowledge and skills, structured group activities, and response to questions. Instruction shall not exceed the scheduled class period.
Attendance of live sessions is the single most important factor in a student's achievement during Distance Learning. Attendance is defined as logging in at the start of class and remaining on line for the duration of the live session. During the synchronous sessions, students must follow teacher instructions with regard to usage of cameras and microphones. GHC Distance Learning Behavioral Expectations will be enforced. Live sessions will not exceed the scheduled period.
Asynchronous Instruction or “Independent Work”
Teachers will develop plans with clear learning objectives and outcomes that address State standards and will be described in a course syllabus with units posted to their Google Classroom. Plans should include a variety of tasks and resources that allow students to practice knowledge and skills.
In addition to class sessions, homework that may be assigned for GHC College Preparatory (CP) courses should not exceed two (2) total hours per week, homework assigned for GHC Honors courses should not exceed three (3) hours per week, and homework assigned for Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses should not exceed four (4) total hours per week. For all AP and IB science courses, up to two (2) additional hours may be dedicated to online lab requirements through one common classroom hub for AP Chemistry and one common classroom hub for AP Biology to be scheduled as determined by need.
COURSE WORK AND GRADING
Grading during Distance Learning will be consistent with grading practices within the traditional school program. GHC will issue grades and credits as described in the GHC Parent Student Handbook and GHC Course Catalog. Students are expected to complete all work assigned by the teacher with expectation that the work will count towards their grade in the assigned course. Work shall include, but is not limited to assignments, homework, tests, assessments, projects and other tasks actively assigned by the teacher. Grades will be based on the successful completion of assignments and on teacher criteria derived from State standards and frameworks. Accommodations in student IEP and Section 504 plans will be followed as written in the IEP or 504 plan. Complete is defined as in the Cambridge Dictionary meant to make whole or perfect.
Late Work
Teachers will allow at minimum one additional day to make up work for each day of excused absence due to illness or other family emergencies during distance learning. Teachers will assign alternative comparable work if specific classroom activities i.e. labs, videos, presentations, group assignments, etc. cannot be made up by the student. Accommodations in student IEP and Section 504 plans will be followed as written in the IEP and 504 Plan.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attending live lessons is essential for students to benefit from teacher-supervised activities and to maximize the learning experience. Attendance is defined as logging in at the start of class and remaining on line and active for the duration of the live session. Students who leave early or cannot be accounted for during the live lesson, may be marked absent/truant. The GHC attendance policy remains in effect during the duration of Distance Learning.
Tardy Policy
A tardy is defined as logging in five minutes after start of the scheduled Live Session. Students are permitted four tardies per semester without penalty.