Andalusia City Schools - COVID-19 Q&A
Date: 2020-07-31 Type: COVID Briefing
Quick Summary
Superintendent Ted Watson emphasized returning to brick-and-mortar instruction while offering virtual options. Schools will require teachers to make daily contact with each student, take attendance, and enforce grades. The district plans to practice virtual instruction in classrooms using one-to-one devices and reported internet capacity boosts. About 180 students had signed up for the virtual option and the original virtual-enrollment deadline of June 30 has passed, though families may still opt in.
Key Decisions
- Prioritize returning to in-person (brick-and-mortar) instruction while maintaining virtual and blended options.
- Require every teacher to make contact with every student each school day.
- Take attendance and enforce grades for virtual and in-person students; failure to participate will result in failing grades.
- Practice virtual instruction while students are in school using district one-to-one devices and boosted internet capacity.
Notable Discussion
- Leaders said spring remote learning outcomes were disappointing and stressed the importance of in-class instruction for quality education.
- Superintendent warned that virtual learning requires significant parental/home-schooling support—especially for K–3 students who need hands-on practice.
- Officials anticipate increased absenteeism due to overlapping illness symptoms and noted plans to follow up on absences.
- Concern raised about decreased reporting of child abuse/domestic abuse during COVID-19, suggesting cases may be going unreported.
Action Items
- Have teachers make daily contact with every assigned student.
- Take daily attendance and follow up promptly on absences.
- Hold students accountable with graded instruction for both in-person and virtual students.
- Conduct practice sessions for virtual learning in-class using district-provided devices and improved internet access.
- Advise parents of K–3 students that strong home-support skills are needed if choosing virtual instruction.