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Hybrid Learning Guide: Top Ten Considerations

Top Ten Considerations 

The following list comprises the top ten things that your organization could do to prepare for Hybrid Learning in the 2020-2021 school year based on feedback from seasoned practitioners. Note: This is not an exhaustive list of content, resources or considerations. Rather the list is designed as a general tool to assist your organization in planning for Hybrid Learning.  Additional information related to these considerations can be found in the Self-Evaluation Rubric.

1: Public School Requirements

A Hybrid Learning program plan cannot stand in place of, or in conflict with: CDC Health and Safety Guidelines, State and Federal Regulation for academics, intervention, and contact, district and local union regulations and operational guidance.

2. Assess and Invest in Existing Infrastructure 

Hybrid Learning requires existing and reliable infrastructure, hardware, software, and consumable (non-digital) resources that are equitably accessible.

3. Include Stakeholders 

Hybrid Learning requires stakeholders within and outside the organization to work in partnership and hold a shared understanding of why Hybrid Learning is being used.

4. Identify Hybrid Learning Team

Have an identified “Hybrid Learning Transition Team,” composed of an adequate representation of stakeholders with at least some decision making authority related to purchasing, scheduling, instructional program design, professional development, program success metrics, grading policy, and crisis management.

  • Ideally, the Transition Team will be at the school level with district support provided to ensure relevant continuity and flexibility.
  • Teams should have representation from administration, classroom teachers, special education teachers, social services, and technology services.
  • The Transition Team should include student and parent/guardian participation directly or through empathy research.

5. Learning Management System

Leverage a single Learning Management System (LMS) to display content, assignments, and performance.

  • LMS should be organized in a logical manner and utilize a consistent design throughout.

6. Content Software Considerations

Content software used should be limited (i.e. not too many different programs), connected to current standard(s), aligned to face-to-face (F2F) curriculum, accessible via single sign-on credentials, and accessible through the LMS.

  • End users (students, parents, guardians) should not have to maintain multiple sign-on credentials
  • Assessment tools that measure/show progress performance should be clear to the end user and reported in a single location.

7. Create a schedule to support Hybrid Learning. 

  • Flexible face-to-face instructional options.
  • Built in time for adaptive professional learning and content planning.
  • Built in time for frequent individual and small group check-ins.

8. Prioritize and streamline content standards to create shared understanding between teachers, students, and parents/guardians

  • Standards are organized into highest impact and in a logical sequence.
  • Standards are presented in an easy-to-understand format that does not diminish the intent.

9. Establish a grading system that supports competency.

  • Grades less on face-to-face/seat time/synchronous attendance, and prioritizes demonstration of student content mastery
  • Separates and utilizes reporting on both content competency and behavioral success indicators
  • Emphasizes frequent formative checks as well as valid summative assessments

10. Have a strategic communications plan that is transparent, consistent, and coordinated for internal and external end users.

  • Between leadership and staff
  • Between organization and leadership to families and community
  • Between educators to students and parents/guardians