Instructional Hours Virtual Learning Rethinking Timebased Education 1

Instructional Hours & Virtual Learning Rethinking Time-based Education 1

School Divisions and Innovation • Goal ~ providing deeper learning experiences for all students • Overarching Question: Do students need to be in a seat in a school building to learn and acquire knowledge? Is the school building the place we APPLY the knowledge? 2

School Divisions and Innovation • LEAs rethinking the educational environment – student control over time, place, path, and/or pace for learning – leverage technology to incorporate different learning models such as virtual learning and blended learning experiences – adjust school schedule to provide flexibility 3

School Divisions and Innovation • Educator’s concern – lack of time for planning, collaboration, and professional learning • Models to resolve concern include, but not limited to, – Students work occasionally from home utilizing a division provided laptop, learning management system, and teacher content. This day becomes a teacher work day for collaboration, professional learning, and planning – Flexing the school day during certain days to allow students to come in late or leave early with expectation of completing online work 4

Potential Barriers • Virginia Code § 22. 1 -98 Reduction of state aid when length of school term below 180 days or 990 hours • Standards of Accreditation – 8 VAC 20 -131. 5 Definitions of instructional day, instructional hours, standard school day, and standard school year – 8 VAC 20 -131. 150 Standard School Year and School Day 5

Potential Barriers • Accountability – What assurances can be developed in lieu of time? – Chronic absenteeism – how to account for attendance? • Equity and Access – – 6 Technology, internet Services such as meals, student support Access to teacher during virtual time Child care arrangements

Possible Solutions • Provide Guidance – Establish a workgroup to consider how virtual/blended learning may support deeper learning with consideration to equity and accountability – Develop guidance document to support divisions in leveraging virtual/blended learning to help students master standards • And/or revisions to SOA – Rethink current definitions and language surrounding Standard School Day/Year 7

Questions/Discussion 8