Virtual Instruction

In Lamar CISD, our virtual option will require support from caring adults at home and within the online classroom environment. Activities are designed to ensure that students continue learning at the pace of the current Lamar CISD scope and sequence, as well as continue to develop a love of learning and gain appropriate academic and social-emotional skills. Through a well-developed virtual instruction model, students will continue to meet their goal of being future ready.

Classes within the virtual instruction option are created by Lamar CISD and follow the schedule of classes at the student’s home campus (secondary) or daily time expectations per content area (elementary). We will ensure open lines of communication between teachers, students and parents. Based upon the guidance from the State, the level of rigor, workload, time commitment and timing of classes will be the primary differences from the virtual instruction that occurred in the spring of 2020.

Lamar CISD will structure our students’ virtual instruction schedule to require students to participate in asynchronous and synchronous learning. Asynchronous learning is a curricular experience where students engage in the learning materials on their own time, interacting intermittently with the teacher via the computer or other electronic devices. Synchronous learning is two-way, real-time, live instruction between teachers and students through the computer or other electronic devices.

Lamar CISD expectations for asynchronous (online without real-time interaction) virtual instruction:

• Complete asynchronous activities assigned each day.

• Students show proof of participation in daily virtual instruction by satisfactorily completing assigned activities to demonstrate evidence of student learning (i.e. video, picture or activities submitted as lessons and/or completing assignments). Please note, not all lessons must have an assignment, as there will be teacher discretion on the number of assignments, as they follow the Lamar CISD grading guidelines.

• Students and parents will communicate with the teacher when needing additional assistance, tutoring, etc.

Lamar CISD expectations for synchronous (real-time) virtual instruction classes:

• Students will participate in synchronous class activities as assigned.

• Students will follow the Lamar CISD dress code (uniform dress is not required).

• Students are ready to learn.

• Workspace is designated for the student.

• Students will show their face on the screen to engage with the teacher virtually.

• Students will sign in to Zoom with their first name and last initial.

• Students will actively participate in the class.

• Students will follow the District Code of Conduct.

The virtual instruction option has numerous differences based on feedback received from parents, students and teachers. Students who receive supplemental services or are in different grades will find that their services are developmentally appropriate. Key aspects of Lamar CISD’s virtual instruction option include:

• An improvement upon quality and depth of the curriculum.

• Personalized learning opportunities.

• A mix of pre-recorded videos and real-time virtual lessons.

• Data-driven, personalized enrichment and intervention.

• Some mandated related services, to be scheduled on an individual or small group basis, may also be offered on campus.

Virtual Instruction Staff

The goal is to assign the majority of Lamar CISD teachers to either on-campus or virtual instruction during the 2020-2021 school year, based on student needs identified through the commitment forms.

All campus staff, including those teaching virtually, will be required to report to their campus each day. This provides equity for staff and ensures all teachers have access to District IT help and technology devices needed for virtual instruction. Additionally, all teachers will be cross trained in virtual instruction to ensure educational continuity if a campus has to pivot to full virtual instruction due to an outbreak.

Virtual Instruction Attendance

Lamar CISD students will be required to participate in daily learning activities and/or assignments. Completion of daily lessons, activities and assignments in all classes is necessary for students to be marked present for the day in virtual instruction. Students who do not participate in daily activities, lessons and any accompanying assignments by 11:59 p.m. will be counted absent for the day.

For more information on virtual instruction, please review the Fall 2020 Guidance – Elementary and/or Fall 2020 Guidance – Secondary.