Emergency Instructional Time Template

Emergency Instructional Time Template
SECTION 520.1 - 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR
Board Approved on 8/18/22

As communicated to chief school administrators on July 6, 2020, Section 520.1 of the School Code provides flexibility to meet minimum instructional time requirements in the event of an emergency that prevents a school entity from providing for the attendance of all pupils or usual hours of classes at the school entity. As occurred for the 2020-21 school year, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) considers the World Health Organization-declared Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) a global pandemic and an emergency as contemplated by Section 520.1 for the 2021-22 school year. Nothing in Section 520.1 of the School Code should be construed to extend beyond the 2021-22 school year.
A local education agency (LEA) that elects to implement temporary provisions in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic may meet the minimum 180 days of instruction and 900 hours of instruction at the elementary level and 990 hours of instruction at the secondary level through a combination of face-to-face and remote instruction, consistent with the requirements outlined in PDE’s July 6, 2020, guidance. Such LEAs must provide PDE with the following information specific to the 2021-22 school year:

LEA's Proposed Calendar and Schedule:
School Year Start Date 8/25/22

School Year End Date 6/2/23

Total Number of Instructional Days 181 days
(must meet minimum 180 days)

Should a school need to use remote learning at either the student or school level, LEAs should submit a sample weekly schedule reflecting remote learning as approved by the LEA’s governing body. (Recognizing the need for flexibility and that circumstances may change as the LEA responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, an LEA may provide more than one proposed weekly schedule.)

Proposed Weekly Schedule

When using remote learning (i.e., learning outside of the school building), describe
how the LEA will ensure access for all students.

The South Eastern School District (SESD) has created a virtual platform for the 2022-2023 school year called Rams Online Learning Opportunities (ROLO).  In addition to in-person instruction five days a week, the district will offer two virtual platforms, SESD Virtual (synchronous) and SESD Online Academy (asynchronous) for grades K-12.  Handbooks have been created for SESD Virtual and SESD Online Academy to provide students and families an overview of the platforms, systems of support, expectations and policies/procedures.  SESD recognizes that at any time we may be asked to move to remote learning and are prepared to do this to ensure all students have access to learning.  Kindergarten through 2nd grade students will receive an iPad and 3rd-12th grade students will receive a Chromebook.  SESD teachers will utilize Google Classroom® as their learning management system.  In addition to the device those who do not have access to the Internet will be asked to contact our Technology Department or complete a request form to acquire a district owned hot spot.
The Chief School Administrator and Board President affirm the following:
  • The proposed school calendar and academic schedule(s) will provide all students the planned instruction needed to attain the relevant academic standards set forth in Chapter 4.
  • The proposed school calendar and academic schedule(s) allow sufficient instructional time necessary for content mastery and provide instructional blocks for each grade level and content area.
  • The proposed school calendar and academic schedule(s) provide at least 900 hours (elementary) and 990 hours (secondary) of in-person instruction and/or remote learning for all students. (Such time may include synchronous and/or asynchronous instruction.)
  • The proposed school calendar and academic schedule(s) define instructional time for students as time in the school day devoted to instruction and instructional activities under the direction of certified school employees. (Such time may include synchronous and/or asynchronous instructional activities.)
  • Clearly defined systems for tracking attendance and instructional time will be implemented to ensure student engagement in remote instruction.
  • The LEA acknowledges that it must provide Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) during this pandemic-related emergency.
  • The proposed school calendar and academic schedule(s) ensures ESL services for English Learners.
  • Clearly defined and ongoing systems for evaluating the quality and outcomes of instructional delivery will be implemented, at least quarterly, and necessary adjustments will be made when data highlight concerns about quality, equity, and/or lack of progress in student learning.