LPSS officials say they feel the district-wide virtual test went well.
For the past two days, all students attended school virtually. Officials say they feel the exercise "was successful and was a great rehearsal if the need to move to this learning model becomes necessary."
District officials say that overall attendance and engagement in online work "were positive with a large portion of school populations logging in and completing activities on time." More than 10,000 virtual lessons were conducted via Zoom, they say.
"Schools and teachers began the transition to virtual learning by effectively communicating with parents the virtual expectations. All devices were sent home with students with some schools and teachers providing additional instructions on how to access certain programs and resources," a press release states. "Teachers were organized and sent home schedules and agendas for students to follow. Schools had flexibility and structured the virtual day around certain content and instructional delivery including live lessons, remote learning assignments, computer programs, recorded lessons, and/or office hours."
The release states that teachers posted assignments on Google Classroom for students to turn in assignments.
"Teachers also made sure that any student who missed live instruction could access videos or recorded lessons to accommodate flexible at-home learning schedules. Many teachers also offered office hours in the event students needed to discuss assignments further," the release states.
Feedback provided by school leaders indicates that there were some unanticipated challenges, but teachers were able to address them and consider this for future plans, the release states.
Officials say that one of the "biggest takeaways from this practice run is the number of parents reaching out last week to inquire about internet connectivity. For families who were approved for internet service and were awaiting installation of services, LPSS was able to quickly react and lend hotspots for students to be successful."
LPSS has reopened applications for home internet service through the Link & Learn initiative. English and Spanish applications for internet service can be found on the LPSS website for qualifying families.
After the holiday break, the system will be back to hybrid instruction for middle and high school kids, and face-to-face class for elementary kids. School starts January 4.
