Flexible Instruction Plan
A Flexible Instruction Day (FID) is a program available to Pennsylvania public school entities to be used as an alternate approach to delivering instruction if a circumstance arises that prevents instruction in a customary manner. More information can be found here. A district may institute up to 5 flexible instructional days in a school year which count towards the PDE-required minimum of 180 days. This plan must be approved by the school board and the PA Department of Education. The general framework of expectations is provided below.
1. Describe the procedure for notifying all students, parents, and professional staff prior to a flexible instructional day being instituted.
All stakeholder groups will be notified that the district is reapplying for the Flexible Instruction Day (FID) Program via email. In addition to staff, students, and families receiving an email, the information will be on a school board agenda. Community members will have an opportunity to watch the meeting to hear the FID discussion and all stakeholders have the ability to view recorded board meetings should they be unable to attend. Prior to or on a FID, stakeholders will be notified that the district has decided to implement a FID in various ways. These communication methods include: A School Messenger phone call, text message for those enrolled, an email, and notification on the district website. The parents/guardians and students will have access to the aforementioned communication modes and will be encouraged to sign up to receive text messages. These are crucial should the internet be unaccessible or a power outage occurs. Similarly, the staff has access to the methods of communication listed above as well. The staff may also receive a direct communication from the superintendent and/or building principal so that everyone is prepared to instruct our students. Parents/guardians and students as well as staff will be notified in a timely manner. The message will be detailed and clear so they know start, end times, and expectations.
2. Describe the procedure for instituting a flexible instructional day, using your primary plan, which should allow most, if not all, students to participate on an equitable basis for a single day as a result of one of the reasons cited in Section 1506, such as severe weather.
In order to institute a flexible instructional day that allows students to participate equitably, the North Penn School District utilizes a Learning Management System as a vehicle for instructional delivery. Since our primary method of instruction occurs by elementary students and secondary students using devices, students and staff are provided with technology to access this online learning tool, and if applicable, a mobile hotspot can be supplied for further access. The flexible instructional day provides for an asynchronous mode of instruction primarily, in which students complete assignments assigned by their classroom teachers that are supported through the online system. However, students do have the option of checking in with teachers during the live office hour sessions that are also provided to support students. Should students need specific materials to complete the work the teachers assign, teachers will send them home with students the day before the FID day when able and will post them to the Learning Management System for students to access. To structure the FID Day, student assignments will be posted by 10 a.m. and opportunities will be provided to students to meet virtually with teachers. Students will be marked absent if assignments are not completed, but virtual meetings and office hours are optional. Teachers will provide further information, specific to their classes, in preparation for these asynchronous days.
3. Describe the responsibilities of professional staff during a flexible instructional day, using your primary plan.
Since this is a regularly scheduled day, all professional and support staff will be available. Professional staff will provide for flexible submission options which allows for work completion as a means for attendance for the current day. Teachers and staff will be available to their students via email and google meets in addition to the traditional phone call throughout the school hours. Teachers will be available to answer questions and support learners in the online platform or via email during the school day and will be "live" during the scheduled office hours, which are during the morning and afternoon for the students' convenience. In the event that students need access to other staff such as nurses, principals, assistants, guidance counselors, reading specialists, etc., they can contact them via email and/or the phone numbers provided to address academic, social, emotional or wellness concerns. If the professional staff members who do not have homerooms (i.e. administrators, tech support, school counselors, nurses, etc.) are not assisting students via email, google meet, or phone calls as needed during the day, they will complete duties assigned by their direct supervisors. For example, Speech Pathologists will complete ACCESS billing and report writing. In regard to paraprofessionals and support staff who assist with accommodations, modifications, and adaptations for our neurodiverse and/or multilingual learners, they will attend the office hours along with the teachers in the event students need small group or 1:1 support with the assignments. If they are needed outside of the office hours to provide additional support to students, the building principal or supervisor will work with the paraprofessional and family to arrange that.
4. What procedure will identify student participation during a flexible instructional day to enforce attendance under Article XIII, for your primary plan?
Teachers will track attendance in their student management system. Since students are not required to participate in the office hours, attendance will be based on the completion of assignments. Depending on teacher preference, work should be submitted by a specified time as outlined in their assignments for the day. If a student does not submit their work in a timely manner per the expectations, which will be on the FID or when they return the next day, they will be marked absent for the day. Additionally, parents will need to follow the district's attendance procedures for students who are not participating in the FID due to sickness, appointments, etc. and send in a note to excuse a FID absence. Students who do not participate in the FID or have the proper notification will receive an unexcused absence. Therefore, an absence will be reported as either excused or unexcused. Finally, in the event of an unforeseen circumstance that may occur, such as a power outage, students will be marked absent on the FID. Please know, however, that teachers will work with students upon their return to school to provide and explain any missed work or assignments and allow make up time.