Virtual Instruction Model
A high-quality curriculum and top-notch instruction are of paramount importance to us in the Southwest Local School District. Despite the challenges that COVID-19 presents to our school community, our mission of "Academic and Social Growth for ALL students, every day" is still at the heart of our operation.
This page contains information for parents/guardians and students regarding our SLSD Fall 2020 Re-Opening Plan for those families interested in the 100% Virtual Instruction Model. Please refer to the Re-Opening Plan for specific information regarding health and safety protocols in order to make an informed decision about what is best for your family for receiving instruction this Fall.
In a Virtual Instruction Model, parents or guardians assume the role of a "Learning Coach." Each child will be assigned a Southwest Local School District teacher or team of teachers, as well, who will support the child in his or her learning, grade submitted work, and monitor the child's progress. Please be aware that students participating in the Virtual Instruction Model will be following a rigorous, Ohio Learning Standards-aligned curriculum, but one that will be different from that which is presented in our schools in the face-to-face option. There may be differences regarding pacing and sequencing of academic content. Because of this, families who elect the Virtual Instruction Model will be required to stay with their decisions through at least the end of first semester. At that time, decisions can be made to return to school for face-to-face instruction or to stay in the Virtual Instruction Model for second semester, beginning January 4, 2021.
HERE is a resource for parents/guardians regarding the role of "Learning Coach."
HERE is a video overview for the Accelerate Education curriculum and role of the Learning Coach.
Virtual Instruction Curriculum
Kindergarten through 5th Grade:
SLSD has selected the Accelerate Education curriculum and platform for our Virtual Instruction students. Please refer to the individual grade levels below for specific information about the academic content students will be learning during their virtual instruction experience. For K-5, the list of course offerings can be found. Students will be assigned grade-level courses in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, and then may choose TWO elective options for their Specials from Health/P.E., Art, Music, and/or Technology.
In the list below, you can click on the grade level course and it will link you to the course descriptions and materials lists.
Kindergarten Language Arts, Kindergarten Math, Kindergarten Social Studies, Kindergarten Science
1st Grade Language Arts, 1st Grade Math, 1st Grade Social Studies, 1st Grade Science
2nd Grade Language Arts, 2nd Grade Math, 2nd Grade Social Studies, 2nd Grade Science
3rd Grade Language Arts, 3rd Grade Math, 3rd Grade Social Studies, 3rd Grade Science
4th Grade Language Arts, 4th Grade Math, 4th Grade Social Studies, 4th Grade Science
5th Grade Language Arts, 5th Grade Math, 5th Grade Social Studies, 5th Grade Science
Specials Areas (Click each link for Art/Music, Health/P.E., and Technology to see the descriptions)
Suggested schedule for recommended time on courses Please note, there is a suggested schedule for K-3 students and then another one for grades 4-5.
Grades 6 through 12
Students in grades 6-12 who select the Virtual Instruction Model will also be using the Accelerate Education platform. Students will be assigned their required grade level core classes (English, Math, Science, and Social Studies) and then may select 2 electives. The course catalog for Middle School and High School students is more extensive than the K-5 offerings above. The course catalogs for students in grades 6-12 can be found HERE. Additional course descriptions and materials lists can be found HERE. Our Guidance Counselors will work with students to try to match the schedules selected last Spring to the course offerings available through the Accelerate Education platform. Unfortunately, not all of our course offerings at Harrison Junior School and Harrison High School will be available in the virtual platform. Likewise, the Accelerate Education platform offers some courses that we do not offer in our classrooms in Southwest Local. Please be mindful of these selections when making your decisions about placement this Fall, and whether or not you intend to complete the courses in the Virtual Instruction Model second semester or return to school in January for face-to-face instruction.
Time Logs
To access the weekly time log that needs to be submitted to your child's teacher(s) weekly, please go HERE. You will be asked if you want to make a copy of the document - click YES, and then it will open. As a reminder, all time spent on the Accelerate platform or the Edgenuity platform is automatically recorded on the dashboard. However, any additional activities that students complete such as Math XL assignments, independent reading, projects assigned by the teacher, or virtual conferences with the teacher should be recorded on this time log and submitted each week by 11:59pm Sunday evening. Attendance will be recorded and absences will be assigned in quarter-day, half-day or full-day increments for students missing the required hours:
Kindergarten: 14 hours per week (approximately 2 hours, 45 minutes per day)
Grades 1-5: 27.5 hours per week (approximately 5.5 hours per day)
Grades 6-12: 30 hours per week (approximately 6 hours per day)
Virtual Instruction Technology Help Desk Information:
If you are experiencing difficulties with the Accelerate Education or Edgenuity platform, please notify your child's teacher(s).