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Back to School Planning for Remote Learning

Back to School Planning for Remote Learning

This list is for families and school teams to create plans together. Most families won’t have all these things set up at home already, but schools should have some of these things ready to share and ideas for other community resources. 

Basic Necessities

  • Safe Space for Learning
    • Comfortable place to sit
    • Desk or table
    • Limited distractions
  • Meals during the school day: Breakfast, lunch and snacks

Adult Support

  • Prepare and supervise school meals
  • Keep on daily schedule (start classes, do independent work)
  • Set up device (tablet, computer, apps)
  • Support during live remote instruction, if needed
  • Support during independent work
  • Training for adults about how to provide learning and behavior supports during remote learning

Notes

Students will need different amounts of support just as families will be able to provide different amounts.  What supports can teachers and schools provide remotely?  When is in-person adult support needed?  When and where is that available?  How can the school schedule be built to match family resources and needs?

Learning Devices and Internet Connection

  • One device for each student
    • Microphone (for speaking) and speakers/headset (for listening)
    • Camera (to participate in video classes)
    • Keyboard, mouse, other adaptive equipment
  • Connection to High Speed Internet
  • Learning apps and programs loaded on device
  • Accounts and passwords set up
  • Training for student and family on how to use each
  • Tech support contact information for school or district

Notes

If the student doesn't have a device or reliable internet, consider other ways to communicate and exchange learning materials regularly, such as by phone, socially distant visits, pick-ups and drop-offs of materials, or mail.

Some districts may also be able to provide some in-person services if it is safe for the family, student, and staff.

Other School Supplies

  • Pen, pencil, paper
  • Printer and ink cartridges (if printing is required)
  • Art supplies
  • Science project supplies
  • Physical Education (PE) space for activity and supplies

Plan for Individualized, Specialized Supports

  • Plan and meet to update IEP or Section 504 Plan
  • Plan for delivery of English Language instruction (ELL)
  • Plan for delivery of Learning Assistance Program (LAP) supports (individual or small group supports for academics and/or behavior)
  • Plan for other specialized, individualized supports

Notes

Plan in advance if your child receives supports for: special education; individual accommodations; English learners; additional assistance in reading, writing, math, or behavior; homelessness; and/or foster care. If it is safe for you, your student, and school staff, you may be able to include some in-person supports in the plan. 

Communication Plan 

  • Contact information for principal, school counselor, other key contacts
  • Plan for regular for check ins 
    • Check-ins between teacher and student 
    • Check-ins between teacher and parent/caregiver
  • Contact information for interpreter line and bilingual staff, if needed
  • Plan for school to provide translated information (including emails, text messages, schoolwork instructions), if needed

Daily and Weekly Schedule

  • Visual schedule to post on the wall or refrigerator
  • Online schedule (to put in a calendar and set reminders)
  • Plan for specialized supports, such as special education, English Learner services, etc.

Motivators and Rewards for Learning 

  • Personal connections/relationships 
  • Plans for building a connection between teacher and student  
  • Opportunities for peer connections 
  • Engaging, meaningful lessons and activities
  • Options for favorite activities or treats to celebrate completed work

Mental Health Care for Student and Family

Notes

From the Washington State Coronavirus Response website: