Return to Learning Update - July 23, 2020

In Case You Missed It! 

Letter from TVUSD Superintendent, Scott Hagerman, Ed.D, 

 Return to Learning - Online for All - August 6th!

Using Evidenced-Based Criteria to Make the School Opening Decision

TVUSD Superintendent, Dr. Scott Hagerman, as the Chairperson of the  Pima County School Superintendents’ Collaborative, has been working closely with Pima County Health Director, Dr. Theresa Cullen. The  Pima County School Superintendents’ Collaborative are advocating the Arizona Dept. of Health Services and the Arizona Governor’s Office to make the decision around opening schools this fall a local decision guided by the county health departments across the state. 

“It makes the most sense for local health departments, supported by local metrics/data, to give school districts evidenced-based feedback on the timing for physically opening schools. Only with specific, local guidance can school administrators make informed decisions and plans that will keep our students and staff safe,” stated Dr. Hagerman. “Returning to the classroom is a goal, however, health and safety remain our top priority for our school community.”

School Program Choice Survey - Date TBD

Due to the continued delay to the physical opening of schools and the need for further clarification from the Pima County and Arizona Departments of Health, we are delaying sending the TVUSD Return to Learning Program Choice Survey. This is the survey in which you will be asked to choose either in-person or distance learning once the district has a confirmed plan from the state. We will set a date based on the information we receive from our county/state health departments, and approval from our Governing Board. We will keep you updated on the survey distribution.

Supporting Distance Learning

To get the best possible start to the 20-21 School Year, we will focus our immediate efforts on supporting distance learning, and providing resources and support to parents to assist with their student’s educational needs.

How to Support Learning at Home  

Key Points

1. Build a Schedule

2. Model Hard Work and Persistence

3. Set Up a Designated Workspace

4. Get to Know the Online Learning Platform

5. Stay in Communication with Your Student’s Teachers

The following article, appearing on edmentum.com in March 2020, provides more detailed information about each of the above steps to support your student’s online learning program. 

5 Things Parents Can Do to Support Students Learning Online

Edgenuity - Distance Learning Program

Introduction to Edgenuity

Tiffany Hodge, Director of Student Services

TVUSD will utilize Edgenuity as our online platform to support instruction during Distance Learning at all four schools. Teachers will supplement this online curriculum. Edgenuity consists of two main components: Pathblazer for K-6 and Courseware for 7-12. In partnership with Edgenuity and Pathblazer, our Pathblazer (K-6) program will include instruction and content for 6th-grade students to maintain continuity across the elementary school. 

Edgenuity provides a comprehensive curriculum aligned to Arizona State Standards with a variety of educational methodologies including computer-assisted learning systems, virtual classrooms, virtual laboratories, electronic field trips, electronic mail, virtual tutoring, online help desk, group chat sessions and non-computer based activities taught with the support of a TVUSD teacher. TVUSD will utilize our teachers' expertise to deliver engaging, targetted, and meaningful instruction through Edgenuity. 

Edgenuity is a research-based tool that includes initial assessment, ongoing assessment, explicit instruction, and a focus on foundational skills as well as grade-level content. Coupled with our teachers' ongoing instruction, Edgenuity features various supports that provide error correction procedures and regular feedback, resulting in increased confidence and positive attitudes. 

For more information on Edgenuity, please review the following:

Edgenuity Elementary Links:

Pathblazer K-6 Elementary Direct Instruction Video

Pathblazer K-6 Elementary Intervention Video

Pathblazer K-6 Brochure - Elementary Foundational Skills and Intervention

Pathblazer K-6 Student Site Features-Progress Report

Edgenuity Secondary Links:

Digital Libraries Courseware 6-12 Sample Instruction Video Sample

Digital Libraries Courseware 6-12 Student Experience Video

Welcome to Courseware 6-12

Edgenuity Digital Libraries 6-12

Device Information for Return to Learning 20-21

Devices for Distance (Online) Learning at Home

To be successful with distance learning at home, your student needs access to a computer, laptop, or tablet and reliable internet connection. They do not need a Chromebook to be able to participate in the Distance Learning program at home. 

When students return to the classroom, students who wish to bring their own devices need to bring a Chromebook, not another device.

Any home technology device with internet access will allow students to participate in the Distance Learning Program. A Chromebook is not required for Distance Learning.

Chromebooks for In-Person Learning at School

When we are able to return to learning in the classroom setting, students choosing the In-Person Learning Program will be using Chromebook devices at school. The shared devices will be sanitized between users. 

If you prefer to provide your student with his/her own device, rather than using a shared device, only a Chromebook device will be suitable for online learning at school.

For more information please refer to: Return to Learning Device FAQ

For Additional Questions, please email the TVUSD IT Department at [email protected] 

Chromebook Request Form

The TVUSD Chromebook Request Form is intended for those families who have limited or no access to devices for use by TVUSD students for the Distance Learning Program. Families may be asked to share devices among siblings if the district does not have enough devices available for each student requesting one.

We have completed the first round of Chromebook check out requests. If you previously completed the online request form, you should receive an email from your school site on Friday 7/31/20 with device pick up instructions and an online waiver form to complete. If you did not receive an email from your school site with this information or you would like to request a device, please contact the school office.