Independent Study Virtual School Program 2021-2022
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Assembly Bill 130 - Independent Study Option for 2021-2022 School Year
In partnership with Stride, the Cambrian School District is providing an alternative Independent Study Virtual School Program option to students whose health would be put at risk by in-person instruction, as determined by the parent(s)/guardian(s), or other basis authorized by Education Code section 51745.
The Independent Study Virtual School Program (ISVSP) is voluntary. The ISVSP is an alternative program that provides students instruction using the same content standards and holds students to the same requirements as the classroom program. By opting for the ISVSP, the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) have the responsibility to support the instruction of their student(s) in the home environment with professional guidance from certificated teacher(s) from Stride.
Parents/guardians, students, supervising teacher(s) or certificated designee, and any other persons who may be included in delivering service to the student must sign a Learning Agreement before the independent study can begin.
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INDEPENDENT STUDY VIRTUAL SCHOOL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
- ISVSP is a long-term Independent Study Program (at least 15 school days or more).
- ISVSP requires a commitment from parents/guardians, as your child's Learning Coach (about 3-5 hours per day), to support and monitor your child's learning, engagement, and daily attendance. This will require parents/guardians to dedicate time to learn how to navigate the Stride Learning platform and how to reach out to Stride for both technical and learning support as needed. If your student struggles with attendance, engagement, and work completion, the district will begin the process of the re-engagement back to in-person instruction as quickly as possible.
- Because this is a substantial supplemental cost to the district, your child's daily attendance, engagement in synchronous and asynchronous instruction, and work completion of all courses are requirements to maintain your child's enrollment in this program in order for the district to recover the Average Daily Attendance (ADA).
- ISVSP is NOT and should NOT be used for travel purposes. Violation of this policy will also result in your child's dis-enrollment from ISVSP immediately.
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REQUIRED REGULAR CHECK-INS WITH DISTRICT SUPERVISING TEACHERS!
In addition to your child’s Stride virtual teacher, your child will have a Cambrian supervising teacher who will conduct regularly scheduled check-ins.
Grade TK-3 Students
- Every Wednesday
- 8:30-8:45 am
- Meeting ID: 958 1161 1034
- Passcode: Cambrian
- Zoom Link
Grade 4-5 Students
- Daily (Monday-Friday)
- 8:45-9:00am
- Meeting ID: 972 6620 3998
- Passcode: Cambrian
- Zoom Link
Grade 6-8 Students
- Daily (Monday-Friday)
- 8:45-9:00am
- Meeting ID: 986 1534 2793
- Passcode: Cambrian
- Zoom Link
Your child is also assigned a District Supervising Teacher. If you have any questions, please email the following contacts:
- TK-2: Emily White, whitee@cambriansd.com
- 3-5: Kristin Fery, feryk@cambriansd.com
- 6-8: Chrissy Terwilliger, terwilligerc@cambriansd.com
- Students with IEPs: Christina Sanchez, sanchezc@cambriansd.com
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ISVSP Latest Updates, Announcements, and Reminders!
ISVSP UPDATES - For the latest updates and reminders
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Program Description
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
TK-8 Independent Study Virtual School Program: The district’s Independent Study option will be offered in conjunction with Stride Learning (www.stridelearning.com). Stride Common Core-aligned digital curriculum will be used for all subjects. The program will include:
- Available for all students in TK-8, whose health would be at risk due to in-person instruction, as determined by the parent/guardian
- Long-term Independent Study program option for 2021-22 (more than 15 days)
- Daily live synchronous instruction in core subjects using video conferencing
- Students will remain enrolled in the Cambrian School District but their assigned teacher of record will be a non-CSD teacher who is contracted with Stride
- Class sizes may range depending on enrollment
- Class enrollment may consist of multiple grade levels, particularly in TK-5
- Parents with a child who has an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) may request a time to meet with the IEP team to discuss if the Independent Study Virtual School Program option is an appropriate placement. Contact Student Services at 408-377-2103, extension 1110.
- A Written Learning Agreement must be signed by the student, parent/guardian, and certificated supervising teacher(s) or designee before official enrollment.
- If a parent enrolls their child in the Independent Study Virtual School Program option and chooses to have their child return to in-person instruction, the parent must notify the Enrollment Department to make the request. We will enroll students as quickly as possible, wherever space is available. Note: Space may not be available at the student’s currently assigned school due to in-person student enrollment and staffing availability.
PARENT INFORMATION WEBINAR SESSION WITH STRIDE LEARNING
- CLICK HERE to access the slide deck.
- Meeting recording - CLICK HERE.
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Parents/Guardians as Learning Coaches
*Parents/Guardians as Learning Coaches*
The Independent Study Virtual School Program requires that a responsible adult be at home during school hours to supervise the instruction of each student. As a Learning Coach, you can expect to spend an average of 3-5 hours per day on direct student instruction (depending on student’s grade level) with additional time for daily or weekly lesson preparation. A student’s successful progress requires daily Learning Coach commitment to the discipline and organization implicit to manage a rigorous and relevant education.
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What to Expect Throughout The School Year
Daily:
- Check for email from the teacher and respond, as needed.
- Follow and complete the scheduled daily lessons.
- Mark lessons complete and record daily online and offline attendance.
- Review lessons for the next day and gather all necessary materials.
Helpful Tip: Print or review “Week View” each Monday to assist with planning.
Weekly:
- Review and prepare lessons for the next week.
- Ensure participation in required synchronous sessions.
- Note any topics to discuss on next regularly scheduled meeting with district-based school liaison or Stride instructor.
As Required or Scheduled:
- Student and parent conference with teacher during regularly scheduled time period.
- Collect and submit work samples as requested.
* Helpful Tip: Add sticky notes on the work sample pages that need to be turned as a reminder. - Ensure participation in district and state testing as required.
- Work in partnership with district-based school liaison for student support services
End of School Year:
- Gather returnable materials.
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How to Apply for Enrollment in the Independent Study Virtual School Program Option
To Apply for Enrollment in the Independent StudyVirtual School Program Option
It is your right to request a parent-educator conference prior to enrolling your student in the Virtual School Program in order to inform your decision and ensure that it is appropriate for your student. Please contact your school principal if you would like to request a conference.
Parents with a child with an individualized educational program (IEP) will need to request a time to meet with their child's IEP team to discuss if the Independent Study Virtual School Program option is an appropriate placement. For more information, please contact Student Services at 408-377-2103, ext 1110, or contact Maggie Spehar, Director of Student Services, at speharm@cambriansd.com.
For additional questions regarding the Independent Study Virtual School Program Option, contact Educational Services at 408-377-2103, extension 1108.
If interested, please complete this Independent Study Option Enrollment Form. Please note that the onboarding process may take up to two (2) weeks. Staff will make every effort to place your child in a timely manner.
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How to Return to In-person Learning from ISVSP!
READY TO RETURN TO IN-PERSON LEARNING?
When you and your child are ready to return to in-person instruction, the district will work with our families to return your student back to in-person instruction within 5 days. Please note that you are not guaranteed a spot at your home school for the 2021-22 school year, but staff will do our very best to make that happen. Re-enrollment back to in-person learning will be dependent on space availability at all of our school sites within the school district. Please contact Mr. Linh Nguyen, Assistant Superintendent of Ed Services, at nguyenl@cambriansd.com or 408-558-4916.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Please submit your questions using the following form and we will do our best to answer all your questions as quickly as possible.
Question Form: https://forms.gle/NHqGDmVufgqgBTph9
Q: What technology does my child need? Do you provide it? How do I get it?
A: The district will provide a device if needed. There will be a process for parents to get a device when the student is enrolled. More information will be provided once the student is enrolled.
Q: Will the school calendar be the same as Cambrian?
A: Yes, the program will follow the Cambrian School District school calendar for 2021-22.
Q: Will the program be one of the 5 offered CA programs, or a de novo program for Cambrian?
A: The Cambrian School District Independent Study Virtual School Program works in conjunction with Stride Learning. As a requirement per AB/SB 130, we are providing this independent study virtual school option for families whose students' health is at-risk due to in-person instruction, as determined by the parent or guardian. This is a long-term independent study option.
Q: How big are the classes?
A: Depending on enrollment and grade level, but no larger than a class if the student was in-person.
Q: What grades would potentially be combined?
A: Depending on enrollment numbers, but rest assured that your student will receive grade level common core aligned curriculum and instruction at their grade level.
Q: What would I be doing for 3-5 hours a day as a parent learning coach? I have a job and am working from home.
A: This is a requirement and commitment of parents of the independent study program. The following expectations are in place for the learning coach:
- Familiarity and knowledge of the chosen academic program.
- Maintenance of attendance and ensuring that the requirements are met.
- Ensuring that the student participates in state and district assessments.
- Work collaboratively with the supervising teacher(s).
- Monitor and ensure adequate and continuing student progress as required in the program and as attendance verification. The supervising teacher(s) will review progress and consider other factors, including parental input when making student advancement decisions.
- Participation in regular phone, online classroom, teleconferencing, and in-person conferences with my student’s teacher(s).
- Ensuring work samples are submitted on time and organized.
- An understanding that the supervising teacher may provide research-based instructional interventions, as needed
- Ensuring that a personal computer (PC-based preferred) with Microsoft Office and consistent Internet access is provided daily for students.
Stride Learning will provide more information and support on the role of the Learning Coach.
Q: My child has an IEP-speech and language. How does that work with Independent study? Does he have those services still? In-person? Or remote?
A: Students with IEPs will need to meet with the IEP team to make the determination of whether this is an appropriate program for their child. Please contact Student Services for more information.
Q: Will students be from Cambrian only, or potentially other districts?
A: Depending on enrollment and grade level, students potentially may be in a class with students from other school districts. For students in grades TK-5, they will be enrolled with students for their grade level and possibly combined with students from other grade levels. For students in grades 6-8, students will be enrolled with their grade level peers depending on the subject matter.
Q: Does Cambrian retain any of the ADA for my student if I enroll him in the Virtual School Independent Study Option?
A: Yes.
Q: Will Stride learning accommodate a 504 plan for my child?
A: Students with a 504 plan will need to contact the school principal to make the determination of whether this is an appropriate program for their child. Please contact Student Services for more information.
Q: How will the assessments be throughout the year? Every week? Every month? Every module?
A: Assessment will be administered by the supervising teacher(s) for each course. Your child's teacher(s) will provide more information on assessment once your child is enrolled. In addition, all CSD students will be required to participate in district and state assessments throughout the year following the district assessment calendar for the 2021-22 school year.
Q: Is the intention to have the Virtual School Independent Study Option available for the duration of the school year (eg, until June 2022), or is it just a short-term option?
A: The Independent Study Virtual School Program is a long-term independent study option for the duration of the 2021-22 school year for study as an educational option for a student whose health, as determined by the student’s parent/guardian, would be put at risk by in-person instruction. However, students whose families wish to return to in-person instruction from independent study will be able to do so upon request.
Q: How many minutes of live teacher interaction and will they teach math?
A: All Students will receive live interaction and synchronous instruction. For Grades TK-3: Daily synchronous instruction will be provided for all students and for Grades 4-8: Daily live & weekly synchronous instruction will be provided for all students. All students will have access to content coursess aligned to grade-level standards and instruction will be provided at a level of quality and intellectual challenge substantially equivalent to in-person instruction.
Q: How is the quality of education and teachers (are they certified??) will be maintained? Who to be in touch with if we are not happy with Stride's teacher's performance?
A: Students will have to and connect with state-credentialed teachers during live instructional sessions. Should questions or concerns arise, similar to in-person instruction, parents should reach out to their child's teacher(s) first for a resolution. If a resolution cannot be reached, the issue can then be escalated to the Stride Administrative Designee.
Q: How is Cambrian planning to bridge the gap between Stride math and Eureka math at any point in time? Are those similar in strategies and go at the same speed trimester-wise?
A: Stride Learning Solutions will provide a customized online school platform and an alternative common core standards-aligned curriculum.
Q: Why an outside agency is being hired? Why not the teachers from the Cambrian District itself not delivering classes?
A: Limited staffing, resources, and coordination of the program.
Q: How are music and PE accommodated in the IS? How will Cambrian deal with the transition to in-person music?
A: This is an online independent study educational option for a student whose health, as determined by the student’s parent/guardian, would be put at risk by in-person instruction. Students will have an additional option for an elective beyond the core classes.
Q: Is August 2 a hard deadline?
A: We recognize that August 2nd is a quick timeline for families to consider. However, in order for the district to ensure your students begin school on August 19th along with all Cambrian students, the ISVSP enrollment, planning, and onboarding process require early commitment from families to ensure the smoothest transition possible.
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Device Support for Independent Study
Important: Applicants must be currently enrolled in the Independent Study Virtual School Program to be eligible to borrow a device.
Technology Support
- Borrowing a Chromebook or iPad: If you are interested in borrowing a Chromebook or an iPad, please fill out the following form. (iPads are only available for students in grades TK-1) Note: Stride recommends a Windows PC and Apple iMac or Macbook for the best user experience.
- Borrowing a Mobile Hotspot: We have a limited supply of hotspots for families who lack access to wireless Internet in their household. If your child does not have access to wireless Internet in your household, you can fill out the following application to request a mobile hotspot.
- Please fill out the Device Loan Agreement prior to picking up the device. All applicants must have Cambrian students. Identification will be requested when you pick up the device.
Tech Help Request:
- Software issues should be directed to Stride's technical support department.
- If you have borrowed a Chromebook, mobile hotspot, or other device from Cambrian School District, you may request help from our IT technicians using this Technology Help Request link. Someone from Cambrian's IT department will get back to you. It may take up to 48 hours.
- Borrowing a Chromebook or iPad: If you are interested in borrowing a Chromebook or an iPad, please fill out the following form. (iPads are only available for students in grades TK-1) Note: Stride recommends a Windows PC and Apple iMac or Macbook for the best user experience.
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About Stride Learning Solutions
https://www.stridelearning.com/- Stride Learning Solutions is a provider of K-12 education for students, schools, and districts, including career learning services through middle and high school curriculum. Stride has delivered millions of courses over the past decade and serves learners in all 50 states and more than 100 countries.
- Stride Learning Solutions will provide a customized online school platform, standards-aligned curriculum, and teacher-led instruction to students in Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade.
- Students will access a full course load across the core subjects of math, science, English/language arts, and history and will have the ability to connect with state-credentialed teachers during live instructional sessions.
- In addition to California-certified teachers, Stride will provide instructional text or e-books, supplies, and teaching tools for enrolled students.
For more information about the Stride, read more here: About Stride Learning
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Additional Resources/Support from Stride
Parent/Learning Coaches Onboarding Sessions
For those of you who were able to attend the sessions on September 8 & 9, we hope that you were able to gain a better understanding of the Stride Learning platform and got your questions and concerns resolved. For those who were not able to attend, below are links to the slide decks and recordings of the sessions for you to review whenever you need them.
Support Session for Grades K-5
- CLICK HERE for Meeting Recording
- CLICK HERE for Slide Deck Presentation
Support Session for Grades 6-8
- CLICK HERE for Meeting Recording
- CLICK HERE for Slide Deck Presentation
Other Resources/Support
- Engage Strong Start Website (LC-specific resource for getting started, events and resources)
- Service Station (knowledgebase of FAQ – geared for any user, access to call/chat/submit a ticket for support, contact Academic Support chat)
- K12 Help Desk (expansive knowledgebase of FAQ – geared for full-time virtual families, help articles, system how-tos)
