How do I let the school know that my child would benefit from the Distant Learning option?

It is preferred that families commit by quarter in the event that a family would like to switch models mid-year. Families may commit to the Distant Learning model for the first quarter for the 2020-2021 school year and the Distant Learning Team will meet frequently to monitor student progress and family preference for continued learning. If a family encounters an extenuating situation in which distant learning or on-campus learning would be better suited for the student, the Distant Learning Team will help the family transition into the preferred model.

Will the rigor levels and expectations be the same for virtual as in-person?

Distant learning will have a separate instructional design, but will use the same high-quality, rigorous curriculum as face-to-face instruction. The level of rigor, workload, time commitment and timing of classes will be different from the spring of 2020. During virtual instruction, time management is critical to success. Students and teachers must remain in communication regarding daily schedules and assignments. At the beginning of each week, teachers will distribute a weekly plan for assignments, instruction, and assessments for both on-campus and distance learning students to keep consistent with the requirement of the course.

Will the distance learning curriculum mirror the face-to-face instruction curriculum?

Distance Learning will have a separate instructional design, but will use the same curriculum and grading guidelines as face-to-face instruction. Distance Learning assignments may look different but they will cover the same content and skills as face-to-face instruction.

How will distant learning be different from this spring?

Distant learning will have a separate instructional design, but it will use the same high-quality, curriculum as face-to-face instruction. The level of rigor, workload, time commitment and timing of classes will have the same expectations as being on-campus. This includes requirements for attendance for virtual meetings and expectations for turning assignments in on time. Late work policies will apply to all students participating in on-campus and distant learning. Distant learning will have a more independent approach as the student will not be required to attend virtual classes for the same number of minutes as on-campus.

What will the lessons in distant learning look like?

Students may receive instruction in the following ways (including, but not limited to):

• Authentic student work/assignments with timely and relevant feedback for continued progress in learning of the standard
• Portfolio tasks and turning in of assignments
• Assessments
• Video lessons
• Project based learning/assignments

• Students may be asked to take exams and assessments on campus in an isolated, supervised area

Will assignments be due daily or weekly with distant learning?

Students will have assignments that are due daily and/or at teacher discretion just like the face-to-face classroom

How will distant learning courses be graded?

Grading for distant learning will follow the same grading policy as the courses in the face-to-face model. NCHS distance learning courses that earn high school credit will count in GPA calculation and class rank.

Can my distant learning student participate in Fine Arts?

Due to the individualized nature of the Fine Arts curriculum, some entry-level courses will be available to secondary students through a distant learning option. Several upper-level courses will NOT be offered via distant learning because in-person attendance is required to satisfy the goals of the course. Art and music will also be offered via distant learning at Nolan Catholic. Please note that students choosing distant learning will not be provided with access to musical instruments or art supplies beyond the approved list. Parents will need to closely monitor and aid in the adjustment of assignments based on materials already in the home to ensure the highest-quality arts education of students while enrolled in distant learning.

What about students receiving specific related academic services?

Students who are provided related services through our Student Success Program (SSP) and choose distant learning will be provided the opportunity to convene a meeting to revise their supports and services to ensure we meet the needs of our students virtually.

Will NCHS provide technology support?

Technology staff will be available to assist students and staff with technology support. Families will need to provide the technology devices needed to support the distant learning program.

If a child participates in distant learning, can they still participate in campus-based clubs and organizations?

This will depend on each organization and the restrictions related to each program. More information will come as information is distributed from TEA, TCCBED, TAPPS, and UIL.

Can my distant learning student participate in athletics?

This will depend on each organization and the restrictions related to each program. More information will come as information is distributed from TEA, TCCBED, TAPPS, and UIL.

Can my distant learning student participate in PE?

Physical Education will be offered via distant learning at Nolan Catholic. Please note that students choosing distant learning will not be provided with access to athletic equipment for all activities. Parents will need to closely monitor and aid in the adjustment of assignments based on materials already in the home to ensure the highest-quality physical education of students while enrolled in distant learning.

Can my high school student participate in athletics or fine arts virtually instead of going to school?

This will depend on each organization and the restrictions related to each program. More information will come as information is distributed from TEA, TCCBED, TAPPS, and UIL.