Returning to school after spring break is set to look very different for Wolf Creek Public Schools this year.
Details on lesson and assignments are continued to be developed and schools will be communicating those details to families before the end of spring break, March 30.
In continuing student learning this year, teachers of pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 will be offering at-home learning opportunities to students either through online means or through other accommodations.
According to the WCPS statement, these accommodations can include course packages, web-based connections and telephone check-ins.
“Wolf Creek has a strong background of utilizing digital tools on a regular basis to assist with learning and we have been in contact with our families to determine what additional supports might be necessary at home to support online learning, said Vince Burke, communications coordinator for WCPS, in an email.
Upon returning from spring break “teachers will evaluate curricular outcomes that have not yet been covered, prioritize remaining outcomes based on what is manageable for students working from home, and will plan specific tasks and projects for students.”
The Wolf Creek Learning Support Plan discussed with school administrators on March 19 aligns well with the guidelines released by Alberta Education on March 20.
The guidelines from the government were developed to identify how teacher-directed learning could occur across Alberta during the provincial health emergency, but each school board was provided with the flexibility required to meet the needs of their students.
As per WCPS’ statement content delivery for each grade level is as follows:
Pre-Kindergarten: Bright Futures Play Academy students will be provided with optional learning opportunities through communication with the teacher. While classes are cancelled there will be no requirement to participate as well as no fees.
Kindergarten to Grade 3: Education will focus on language/literacy and mathematics/numeracy outcomes of the provincial curriculum. Teachers will assign an average of five hours of work per week per student, and will be expected to work with their students and parents on the delivery of these materials.
Grades 4-6: Education content will continue to focus on language/literacy and mathematics/numeracy outcomes. Opportunities to incorporate science and social studies through cross-curricular learning may arise at times. An average of five hours of work per week will be assigned to each student with teachers being expected to work with students and parents to deliver these materials.
Grades 7-9: Education content will focus on core mathematics, language/literacy, science and social studies curriculum outcomes. Teachers will be expected to work with their students and parents to deliver these materials as well as assign an average of 10 hours of work per week.
Grades 10-12: Education content will focus on specified and core courses required for high school graduation requirements, including language (English, French and French language arts), social studies, mathematics and sciences (biology, chemistry and physics).
Content from other courses, such as Career Technology Studies, will be delivered where possible and accommodations for students unable to complete courses will be made.
The provincial statement states Grades 10-12 will be assigned an average of three hours of work per course per week.
It also says all students will receive final grades and progress to their appropriate grade level in the following school year.
Grade 12 students on track to receive 100 or more credits will still be eligible to graduate and receive a high school diploma. Principals have the ability to award up to 15 credits to students who are in courses they are unable to complete.
As of March 24, the board was still reviewing all events planned for the remainder of the school year, including the graduation ceremonies.
“We know that graduation is an important and special time for a student and for their family,” said Burke. “The decision will be made based on the best information and directives from Alberta Health Services and in alignment with Alberta Education.”
All Grade 12 diploma exams are cancelled, but students can request to write a diploma exam under special circumstances.
Additionally, all Grade 6 and 9 provincial achievement tests are cancelled.