Introduction/Purpose of the CCTS Remote Instruction Plan
In April 2020, Governor Murphy issued an executive order that became P.L.2020, c.27. The law provides for the continuity of instruction in the event of a public health-related district closure so that local educational agencies (LEA) can utilize virtual or remote instruction to satisfy the 180-day requirement pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7F-9. In order to provide transparency and ensure that New Jersey students continue to receive high quality, standards-based instruction, each school district must annually submit its proposed program for virtual or remote instruction (plan) to the Commissioner of Education.
The purpose of the Virtual or Remote Instruction Plan for the Camden County Technical School District (CCTS) is to provide a brief overview of the implementation of virtual/remote instruction in the event that the school district needs to close for more than three consecutive school days due to one or more of the declared state of emergency, declared public health emergency, or a directive by the appropriate health agency or officer to institute a public health-related closure. A day of virtual or remote instruction, if instituted under a plan approved by the Commissioner of Education, is considered the equivalent of a full day of school attendance for the purposes of meeting State and local graduation requirements, awarding of course credit, and such other matters as determined by the Commissioner of Education.
This plan is fluid and it is subject to change.
Equitable Access and Opportunity to Instruction
● School Day
● Schedule
● Learning Management
System
● Assessing Growth
● Attendance
● Technology
● Technical Assistance
● Each school day will consist of a minimum of 4 hours of instructional time.
● A remote hybrid-scheduling plan, created with maximizing safety and instruction simultaneously, will provide ease of flexibility for change as needed based on the status of the community health crisis. Asynchronous and/or synchronous support will be provided daily to maximize student growth and learning.
● Students and staff will utilize Google Apps For Education (GAFE) as the mode of delivery for instruction while on remote learning. Staff will also utilize the district’s student database system to communicate grading and assignments to parents for their student(s).
● Ongoing assessments (i.e. formative, summative, etc.) will be implemented throughout instruction to assess student growth and/or identify instructional needs.
● During Remote Learning, students will be expected to sign in to their Google Meets/Classroom every class period as scheduled. Specific information regarding remote expectations will be communicated to families.
● Every student is issued an electronic device. Internet connectivity devices (hot spots) will continue to be provided to families on an as needed basis. Technology protocols for students will continue to be distributed and support will continue to be provided as needed.
● The district will continue to provide training and/or technical assistance to teachers and parents/guardians who are not experienced in remote learning methods including the use of technology.
Addressing Special Education Needs
● Programming
● Instructional Placement
● IEP Documentation
● Communication
● Additional Services
● Schedule
● Students and staff will utilize Google Apps For Education (GAFE) as the mode of delivery for instruction while on remote learning.
● Students will be placed in the appropriate setting (i.e. mainstream, inclusion, special class program, etc.) based upon the student’s Individualized Education Program.
● Documentation of IEP implementation including tracking of services, student progress, and accommodations/modifications will be monitored by IEP teams. IEP teams will monitor individual student growth through IEP goals and objectives as well as teacher input. IEP teams will then determine if the need for additional compensatory services are appropriate.
● CST will clearly communicate with parents and students on a weekly basis to ensure the appropriate related services for individual students as per IEPs and disabilities.
● IEP meetings, evaluations/re-evaluations, counseling and related services will be conducted virtually as per NJ Special Education Code 6A:14-3.
● A remote hybrid-scheduling plan, created with maximizing safety and instruction simultaneously, will provide ease of flexibility for change as needed based on the status of the community health crisis. Asynchronous and/or synchronous support will be provided daily to maximize student growth and learning.
Additional Supports
● English Language Learners
(ELLs)
● Communication
● Instructional Supports
● Professional Development
● ELL Students requiring English Language Services (ELS) will be provided asynchronous/synchronous instruction in accordance with the requirements set forth by the NJDOE.
● Ongoing written/verbal communication and interpretive services will be provided in the target language.
● Alternate methods of instruction include various strategies in differentiation and grouping to address individual instructional needs.
● Professional development for staff will continue to address culturally response teaching/learning, social- emotional learning, and trauma-informed teaching to address the unique needs and learning styles of students.
Meals/Food Service
● Meals to be made available
● While on the remote instruction schedule, meals (according to the national school lunch program) will be available at the Pennsauken and Gloucester Township Campuses for CCTS students. If the Seamless Summer Option Program is reinstated for remote learning, meal services will be extended to any child under the age of 18 according to the provisions of this program. Each student will receive meals (breakfast, lunch, and snack) on these days. The meals will be packaged frozen and/or they will consist of non-perishable items that can be stored in the student’s freezer/refrigerator. Meals will be recorded via POS or other approved methods.
Maintaining Facilities
● Addressing Facility Needs
● Surfaces of buildings will be cleaned and sanitized according to an established schedule. Checklists will be completed to ensure areas are cleaned and sanitized according to the schedule. Custodians and staff will receive training on proper cleaning and sanitizing protocols/techniques to the extent necessary.
● Water fountains that are non-touch will be available to use.
● Hand sanitizer will be available in all classrooms and office spaces. Dispensers will also be available in public areas.
Other Considerations
● Well-being of Staff and Students
● Learning Opportunities
● Extra-Curricular
● Essential Employees
● Ongoing supports are available to address social and emotional health needs of staff and students through human resources, school counseling services, and child study team supports.
● Tutoring supports will be provided in an asynchronous/synchronous format as needs are identified and/or requested by students and families. These supports are designed to address learning deficits and support enrichment opportunities as needs are identified and/or requested.
● Programs currently provided in an in-person environment will transfer to a virtual setting. This includes and is not limited to:
Extended Learning Programs
21st Century community Learning Center Programs
Credit Recovery
Extra-curricular Clubs
Parent Meetings
● Essential employees are identified and a list will be provided to the county office when transitioning to virtual or remote instruction.
