FISD Families,
As we begin the second nine weeks, I want to update you on work currently being done due to what we have learned through the first nine weeks of COVID protocols and virtual learning. Protocols put in place for in-person learning have thus far kept case counts low and tracing thus far shows that cases are not coming from spread within the school but from contacts outside of school.
During this second nine weeks, the number of virtual learners has dropped to 13% - a little over 800 students. After evaluating the data on our virtual learners’ first nine weeks performance, attendance, and engagement as well as the experience of instructional challenges in a virtual environment for our teachers, we are considering possible shifts in our practice as going forward for the benefit of both students and staff. The District Leadership Team has met throughout the nine weeks to discuss the data and possible changes. Last week, a focus group of secondary teachers provided valuable feedback from what has been learned in the first nine weeks and what shifts could be beneficial. The following are some of the areas under consideration that will be presented to the Board of Trustees:
- Creating a more restrictive process for selecting virtual learning.
- Adding some virtual learning days for all students to provide planning time for teachers that are teaching both virtual and in-person students.
- Adjusting the delivery model for secondary virtual learning to provide more autonomy for teachers to make responsive decisions of when to utilize synchronous days vs. asynchronous days.
On November 9, during the regularly scheduled Board meeting, there will be an information item to discuss virtual learning going forward based on the data and input received for this nine weeks. This will include data related to virtual learning at both elementary and secondary levels during the first nine weeks and the feedback from teachers, administrators, and the FISD Teaching and Learning Team. Financial implications of the possible loss in ADA will also be presented for consideration. We will discuss the possible options for the future and answer questions. A Board workshop is scheduled for November 16th at 6:30 p.m. During that workshop, the board could consider potential action to adjust the virtual learning plan for the second semester based on the discussions and information presented on November 9th. Once finalized this would then be shared with our FISD staff and community.
Many ask the question, “is virtual learning mandated by TEA”. It is not. It is a local decision to offer virtual learning to students. Suppose a district does not elect to provide virtual learning. Students are free to withdraw and attend a public school that would accept them or look at other options (homeschool, Texas Virtual School, or transfer to a school that provides virtual learning to any student).
FISD desires to provide the best instructional model possible and to learn as we move forward safely during the pandemic. This requires adjustments and change, which we have learned can happen rapidly. Keep the perspective that seven months ago, we longed to return in some fashion. We have done that, and it has been a team effort. It will continue to be a team effort going forward. Together . . . We are and will be Mighty.
Respectfully,
Thad J. Roher
Superintendent of FISD