April 15, 2020 Update
As part of Executive Order 2020-35, school districts were directed to develop a Continuity of Learning and COVID-19 Response Plan (“Plan”) in order to continue to receive state aid for operations. Documents from several sources were made available to support our efforts to develop these plans. Because we had already made significant progress toward developing and implementing a “Remote Learning Plan” in Lakeshore based on similar guidelines, we were able to submit our Continuity of Learning and COVOID-19 Response Plan for approval on April 8, 2020, the first day plans could be submitted to Berrien RESA. We received confirmation on April 13, 2020 that our Plan had been approved. The Plan is posted below.
We have also posted a copy of the COVID-19 Grading Policies below that were developed based on guidance from the State and through collaboration among district administrators and staff. Grading plans have been developed at each level that take into account grades earned during face-to-face instruction (prior to March 13, 2020) and good faith effort during the 4th quarter demonstrating evidence of continued learning of essential skills. A “good faith effort” is best defined as an attempt to complete assigned work as accurately as possible given the availability of little or no direct instruction. As these are new and unprecedented circumstances, we felt that it was important that our grading policies and practices were based upon the principle of “no educational harm” to any child. In short, much grace should be given in determining grades as we finish the year remotely.
We believe that our students can still make significant gains in their learning this school year. Our focus during this time will be on elements of the curriculum determined to be “essential learning.” Our teachers continue to work hard to make certain that all learning during this time is relevant and meaningful. This will assure, as best we can, that students are prepared for the next level, whether that means moving onto the next grade or graduating and going off to college or the workforce.
Additionally, I appreciate the work that went into the development of a comprehensive plan that keeps student well-being as a top priority. The Continuity of Learning Plan was developed with that in mind. We will continue to be intentional in our outreach in an effort to continue building relationships and maintain connections with our students. In these uncertain and stressful times, creating routines for our students by providing work that allows them to find success is a great start. Continuing to make regular connections with and among our students provides added supports and will certainly pay dividends.
We, in Lakeshore, pride ourselves in making connections with kids in support of their academic and social growth. We understand that data, including grades, provides only one indication of success. At no time is this mantra more important than right now. As we move forward, we will continue to monitor progress and make adjustments as deemed necessary.
Continuity of Learning Plan
Grading Policies
