Noble Network of Charter Schools Opting for Remote Instruction for First Semester
Three-step model will maintain excellent remote instruction including targeted student support
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICAGO — Guided by principles that place the health and safety of our community as paramount—while still prioritizing high-quality academic instruction—the Noble Network of Charter Schools has announced a model for the fall semester of 2020 that will lean heavily on remote instruction while offering a substantial level of wraparound supports for all students. Noble initially announced this plan on July 31 in an email to parents, students and staff.
“This plan will allow us to prioritize a commitment to health and safety of our Noble family while continuing our focus on academic results and social-emotional support,” said Constance Jones, CEO of Noble. “There is no doubt this school year will be a historic one. We prepare for the launch of school while a pandemic has changed every aspect of our lives, while our city grapples with the legacy and reality of systemic racism and while we reaffirm, loudly, Black lives matter. Amidst all of this, I have never been more confident for our community to meet the moment.”
The perspectives of our Noble community informed this plan and have made it better. More than 1,400 parents, students, teachers, and staff shared their ideas and feedback over the past few weeks. We believe that our staff and families must have the choice within any plan to do what is right for themselves and their families.
Here is an outline of our three-step model:
1. Instruction will be remote for the first semester.
· Students will be required to log attendance on a daily basis.
· Campuses will design a school day that includes an increased amount of synchronous (live) learning opportunities and students will be able to engage with asynchronous (available at any time) material at their own pace.
· Traditional grading practices will resume, paired with student supports with an intentional lens of equity and empathy.
2. We will resume in-person programming when it is safe to do so and as informed by comfort levels of staff, students, and families.
· In-person participation will remain optional for students and staff.
· In-person student support will roll out in steps, including events to orient students back to school and targeted in-person support.
· Staff who are comfortable will have access to Noble buildings beginning on August 17.
3. We are committed to the safety of all students, staff, and families.
· Face masks must be worn at all times by staff, students, and visitors when at a Noble school.
· Social distancing will be maintained to the maximum extent possible and practical.
· Schools will be cleaned and disinfected daily, and steps are being taken to optimize airflow and ventilation at all campuses.
· All who wish to enter Noble buildings will undergo a health screen before entry.
Jones added, “We acknowledge there are no perfect choices for this school year, and our goal has been to find the best option given the constraints we face. Our commitment to our vision remains unwavering; we will ensure that all students at Noble will have a positive and equitable school experience that equips them to succeed on the paths of their choice, leading to 75% of our alumni completing college.”
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