Strong collaboration and open communication between the home and school is critical to the success of all learners. This is true for in-person models of learning and arguably more important for virtual settings given the various constraints that are involved. To this end, we are setting expectations for staff and families that will help ensure the successful implementation of DDOA.
Staff will:
● commit to frequently communicating with families with updated reports regarding students’ attendance and participation, academic progress, and socio-emotional development.
● reply to questions, comments, and concerns from families in a timely manner. Communication from school will be made available so that all families are able to access it.
● provide materials and resources to continue supporting students’ learning as well as opportunities to develop better ways for families to support students and each other.
● continue to develop ourselves as teachers and non-teaching staff including how we support students’ academic and socio-emotional development.
● provide quality learning opportunities by highly qualified staff and all mandated services that our diverse body of students need to succeed.
● ensure a learning environment that fosters care, curiosity, motivation, teamwork, and self-determination
Families will:
● review and take ownership of the rights and responsibilities as caregivers who are equal partners in students’ success.
● provide the school with any court orders related to their student’s custody. Please see the district Custody Law Notification.
● understand the expectations for student work completion, schedules, and monitor students’ work habits. It will also be important to become familiar with the learning management systems and contact the school with questions, concerns, or needs for technical troubleshooting.
● communicate with the school staff and engage with all information that is sent home. This includes promptly responding to phone calls, text messages, and/or emails and attending required family meetings.
● ensure that students have access to high-speed internet in order to log in to scheduled synchronous sessions, access assignments, and communicate with teaching staff. When difficulties with internet access arise, families will contact DDOA staff immediately for assistance.
● provide a calm space away from distractions for students to learn and foster healthy habits.
● model for their student(s) how to balance work expectations and self-care while working remotely.
Caregivers should plan to spend more time as a learning coach for younger students and students on an IEP or 504 who may require this additional support.
● For K-5 students, caregivers should plan to be hands-on and available for 4 to 6 hours per day.
● For 6-12 student, caregivers should plan to provide support 1-3 hours per day
● For students on an IEP or 504 Plan that may require additional support, times will vary.
By enrolling in David Douglas Online Academy, caregiver understands:
- This application does not guarantee placement in the DDOA. My child will remain enrolled at their neighborhood school for in-person instruction until DDOA staff informs me that space is available.
- The program may require in-person engagement at a DDSD location, such as the administration of assessments in alignment with state and local requirements.
- There will not be continuous face-to-face (synchronous) interaction. Learning and assignments will at times be independent and self-directed.
- For students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan, the placement process will include an IEP or 504 meeting to review.
- My commitment to be my student’s at-home learning coach is critical to their success, especially for younger students and students who may require support such as an IEP or 504 Plan.
- My student is committing to enrollment in DDOA for the full school year.
- Students will check out a district chromebook for their school work and will return the device when they graduate or withdraw from DDOA.