Planning Considerations

Designing Remote Learning Environments

Develop a plan with involvement and decision-making from a broad group of stakeholders. The resources below provide school and system leaders a starting point to support student care and continued learning during extended school closures.

• Instructional Models: Choosing a Remote Learning Model - a range of options for school and district leaders. Detailed guidance on each model
• Instruction Partners Resource Hub - This resource includes concrete actions, recommendations, and resources for preparation to moving into a remote learning environment.
• Hierarchy of School Needs - 6 Key Focus Areas LEAs need to consider to progress through the challenge of remote learning. Use this resource to ensure you have engaged all necessary stakeholders and met all levels of need in order to move into learning needs.
• Instructional Models for Learning Outside School - This resources provides an overview of the three instructional models being utilized across many partners nationally, guidance for determining an instructional model that fits your context, and concrete resources for supporting your chosen model.
• Internal and External Communication Templates - example messages and tools for communication
• TNTP - Remote learning strategies, guiding principles, standalone short-term resources, and existing long-term resources.
• Regional Educational Laboratory Program (REL) Resources for Schools and Districts –  FAQs to assist schools and districts with their most pressing need - including providing Free and Reduced Lunches, supporting students’ social emotional needs, transitioning to online instruction, and addressing equity concerns for students with limited access to technology, students with disabilities, and English learners. 
• USED Guidance, Information and Resources - USED guidance and resources on COVID-19
• USED Guidance on Protecting Student Privacy - USED guidance to assist school officials in protecting student privacy in the context of COVID-19 as they consider the disclosure of personally identifiable information (PII) from student education records to individuals and entities who may not already have access to that information.

Designing for Equity and Access

When working to plan for and identify high-quality learning materials to use at home, here are some questions to consider:

• Do families need training or other context to use your plans and resources, and if so, when and how can you provide it?
• Does your plan assume families have access to specific technology or other materials at home? How can you ensure the resources you offer are accessible to as many families as possible?
• In particular, how will you ensure that families without a computer or internet access at home can use the plans and resources you’re offering? You might consider offering printed resources in addition to online learning suggestions, and ensure that as many online resources as possible are accessible with just a smartphone.
• How will you ensure staff will be able to meet the needs of all learners including SWD, ELs, etc.?
• How will you ensure that all communication with parents/families is in a language they can understand?
• What will your staff need to feel supported, safe, productive, and instructionally prepared?