At-Home Learning

CISD teachers share what's working and what's not...

Feedback from CISD Teachers:

In a recent survey, CISD teachers shared what they have identified as best practices for at-home learners. This informational brochure is to share the practices we see resulting in success and some of the misconceptions that create challenges to success. While our goal to is eventually have all students back on campus for in-person learning, CISD is committed to making the at-home learning experience a valuable educational opportunity.

We're all in this together. We're learning together, getting stressed together, and celebrating every little small success together! While some have chosen the at-home learning platform, others may be temporarily assigned to at-home learning due to illness or close contact with someone COVID positive. No matter your situation, there are a few "ground rules" you need to understand. In preparing for the new school year, we spent a lot of time sharing what at-home learning would be like. Now we need to clarify a few things at-home learning is not:

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At-Home Learning is Not Easy

Stop for a moment and think about how much we learn from each other. Sometimes hearing a friend or classmate explain a topic can help things make sense. Or learning from the questions other students are asking can help us better understand a concept. These situations are limited with at-home learning. Students thrive off immediate feedback from teachers. They like to know they're "on the right track" and without that, sometimes at-home learners take longer to complete assignments because they are not as confident in newly acquired skills.

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At-Home Learning is Not 24/7 Access to Teachers

Teachers are often available for a limited time before and after school and during conference times. Teachers are not "on call" 24/7 to answer questions. Email should be the primary form of communication for at-home learners. It is not necessary to send an email, followed by a text about the email, followed by a phone call to make sure the teacher got the text about the email. Please respect the contact hours established by teachers.

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At-Home Learning is Not Self-Paced

Assignments and due dates are given to make sure at-home learners stay on track with the instructional calendar. While adjustments are necessary from time-to-time due to technology issues or other barriers beyond our control, at-home learners are held accountable for late work and missing assignments. At-home learners follow the same grading calendar as in-person learners.

Best Practices for At-Home Learners

We almost have the first 6-weeks under our belts. Talk about a learning experience! We've survived! Through the highs and lows of the first grading cycle, teachers have identified common practices of students who are being successful with at-home learning. Listed below are the best practices we've identified:

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Get Organized

Make a study space with your school supplies readily available. Keep all materials in one place to eliminate having to look here, there, and everywhere for your supplies. Create a workspace with minimal distractions.

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Make a Schedule and Follow It

Let your at-home schedule follow the at-school schedule. Have a daily start time, get dressed (don't stay in PJs all day), and follow the school schedule. The structure will benefit your child when it's time to return to school in-person. Don't allow your child's at-home school day to be interrupted for things you wouldn't allow to interfere with your child's in-person attendance.

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Let Us Know How We're Doing

Do notes help? What about instructional videos? Teachers are spending a lot of time trying to make sure at-home learners receive top-notch instruction and they need to know what's working. We're open to constructive criticism---that means letting us know what we can do better (or differently) in a respectful manner. It doesn't mean you get to choose how the teacher delivers instruction, but you can share what's working best for you. Communication is key!