The IPS Board of School Commissioners approved the recommendation from district administration to begin the 2020–21 school year with 100% remote learning for all district students when school starts on August. 17.
Commissioners voted during the Board Action Session on Thursday, July 30.
The approval means in-person learning will be delayed until at least October 2, which will allow more time for the number of COVID-19 cases in Marion County to stabilize and decrease to a less dangerous level.
From the beginning, IPS Superintendent Aleesia Johnson has said the district would remain flexible and respond to the changing data with an emphasis on the health and safety of students and staff as our top priority.
To ensure district students can participate in our remote learning plan, all students will receive a device. Students in Grades Pre-K–2 will receive an iPad; students in Grades 3–12 will receive a Chromebook. A MiFi mobile hot spot device will also be available to families who do not have access to internet service.
The district will also implement a Student Support Strategy designed to help students/families during remote learning. The strategy, which is still in development, will include:
Learning Hubs
- Students will still receive synchronous learning from their home school, but will have IPS certified staff members located at the hub to provide additional supports.
- These hubs will provide a stable, safe environment where students who qualify for McKinney-Vento services can engage in remote learning in a structured space.
A Student Support Network
- We are working to collaborate with community partners across the city to support our families that may have specific needs related to providing a supervised environment for their students.
In-Person Related Services
- Students who qualify for in-person related services as outlined in their IEP’s will be able to make appointments at the recommendation of their service provider.
Additional details about the student support strategies, the 100% remote learning plan, including information about device distribution and district meals, will be available soon.