D11 moves to mostly remote; D20 adds hybrid and synchronistic learning

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- District 11, Colorado Springs 2nd largest school district, announced plans to start the school year mostly remote. Under the new scheduling model, the district will offer mostly remote learning, with some hybrid scheduling August 24th through October 15th.

Students with the greatest needs who need additional support, specifically students receiving special education support, English Language Learners, and pre-school learners, will have levels of in-person support.

The remaining majority of students will be engaged in D11's remote learning platform, Inspire Online.

District 11 added in a statement Wednesday, "This decision was very challenging to make. We are fully aware that making the decision to open in a more remote fashion and/or returning at full capacity impacts our community either way, but in an effort to ensure the greatest safety for our students and staff, we felt the targeted hybrid approach was most
appropriate."

The region's largest school district, District 20, adds options for hybrid and synchronous learning options for families, in addition to 100% online learning. This the most recent iteration of the district's plans, which was finalized on August 4th.

For high school and middle school students, options inclue: hybrid, synchronous or 100% online learning. At the moment, there is no option for 100% in-person learning for high school and middle school students.

With hybrid learning, students attend classes both virtually and in person.

With synchronous learning, students attend classes at home, in real-time, simultaneously with peers who attend in-person. Essentially, a student attends an in-person class virtually.

The revised learning options, which commence August 24th, was built around three goals:

• Implementing protocols and structures that protect the health and safety of students and staff.
• Developing educational options for students and parents.
• Maximizing academic and social-emotional growth opportunities for students.

District 20 notes that due to the changing nature of the pandemic, conditions are subject to change.

District 49 has plans to announce if students will be returning to in-person learning for the first quarter on Monday, August 10th.