As the first day of the 2020-2021 school year approaches, it is important for students to understand the preventative systems that have been put in place by the Salem-Keizer Public Schools [SKPS] for this year. Starting Sep. 14 all students in the distinct will begin the school year in the Comprehensive Distance Learning [CDL] model from home. However, blended learning for grades K-10 is expected to start after Nov. 16.
The CDL model is expected to be more rigorous than online learning was last spring, however, students will be taking fewer classes at a time. This is to allow for a more efficient use of the students’ time and attention. Attendance will be taken in every class, students in high school will receive grades for their classes and they will only earn credit for the classes they pass.
“Last spring and over the summer, we learned from our students and families the support structures that will better help our students be engaged. This included fewer classes at a time, and streamlining teacher communications, technology platforms, and tools,” said SKPS on their website when answering how the CDL for this fall will be different from the online learning that students experienced last spring.
One of the most prominent differences in this upcoming semester is that the juniors and seniors will not be returning to any in-person learning until at least the beginning of the second semester. This left many students upset that their senior year is going to experience such a major interruption.
“I think the work that must get done senior year, such as applying for scholarships and colleges, making up credits and SATs are all things that should be prioritized above underclassmen getting to go to school sooner,” Julecia Smith 21’ said.
However, SKPS explained that the reason that juniors and seniors will be going through CDL and not Blended Learning during their first semester is due to the students’ very individualized required and elective classes. The restrictions of cohorts in Blended Learning would mean that the students would not be able to participate in the classes of their choice, and individuals involved in specialized advanced learning programs like IB, Music, CTE and AP would be unable to complete their classes.
The Blended Learning will hopefully start after Nov. 13 for grades K-10. In Blended Learning, on A days half of the students will attend in-person classes while the other half participates in online learning, and then on B days, the two cohorts will switch.
“I wish we could go back to in-person school,” Evan Dougherty ‘24 said.
Students could also opt-out of CDL or Blended Learning and register for the online Enhanced Digital and Guided Education [EDGE] Program. This program is for students K-12 whose families do not wish to have their students return to in-person classes this year. EDGE will consist of more independent, flexible and individualized learning while still being connected to the school the student is enrolled in.
All students were automatically enrolled in CDL and Blended Learning so families had to sign up to switch their students to EDGE. The deadline to sign up for the EDGE program was Aug. 24, however, SKPS has stated there will be built in transition points within the curriculums throughout the year that students can easily switch from one to the other.
