Teaching and Learning

Reopening Plan Main Page | In-Person Instruction | Remote/Hybrid Instruction

All reopening plans rely on the following guiding principles:

  • BCSD will adhere to New York state guidelines and ensure the health and safety of students, faculty and staff.
  • The District will maximize instructional opportunities for all students, but prioritize in-person instruction for the youngest learners and those who need additional assistance.
  • Remote learning will be an option for all students.
  • Plan will be implemented with flexibility in mind; the District will likely need to adjust due to changing conditions associated with COVID-19.

The school calendar typically includes one or more staff-only days before students arrive at school. Acknowledging the challenges that our teachers and staff have faced this spring delivering remote instruction under stressful circumstances, the District will focus these in-service days on providing support to staff in the areas of social-emotional health and technology integration. Additionally, professional development is being offered to staff throughout the summer with synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities.

As we enter the new school year, teachers will be encouraged to spend time building relationships, supporting students with the transition back to school, and teaching social distancing etiquette at developmentally appropriate levels. 

For students, several days at the beginning of the year, depending on the grade level, will be used for student orientation. This time will allow small groups of students to meet with their new teacher and begin to establish the relationship necessary for a successful school year.

When a remote or hybrid learning model is necessary, certain groups of students will be prioritized for in-person learning to the greatest extent possible. This includes, but is not limited to, students in grades K-6, special education students, English language learners, students who did not engage in remote learning during the spring of 2020, and students who participate in Career and Technical Education.

Assessing student learning gaps or areas of need will be critical. Formative assessment before a unit of instruction to assess student understanding of pre-requisite skills will be common practice.

Acknowledging that the typical content in a given grade level or course may need to be adjusted, content will be prioritized to ensure that students receive instruction for the prioritized learning standards, key understandings, and skills necessary for students’ success in future study.

Grading practices will follow a standards-based framework designed to provide direct feedback regarding students’ mastery of course content.

For information relating to teaching and learning in BOCES special education and Career and Technical Education programs, please see the BOCES website.

Top of page

In-person Instruction

Planning for the 2020-21 school year against the backdrop of COVID-19 requires flexibility in determining the scope of in-person instruction. Public health data and decisions made by New York State may determine whether:

  • All students return for in-person instruction, with social distancing
  • In-person instruction is prioritized for certain groups of students, with social distancing
  • School buildings are closed and instruction is remote only

Upon school buildings reopening, the number of students in each of our classrooms will be reduced to adhere to CDC guidance regarding proper social distancing. Class size will reflect the need to ensure that students’ desks/seats are positioned no less than six feet apart in all directions.

All employees and students will be required to wear a face-covering (that covers the nose and mouth) at all times, unless medically unable to. Face coverings will be removed during lunch, snacks and during regularly scheduled movement breaks throughout the day.

Accommodating a six-foot radius around students will necessitate that desks are positioned facing the same direction. Some classrooms will be reconfigured, with fixed bookcases or partitions removed to increase square footage. Some class sections will need to be split to meet social distancing requirements. Additional rooms or common-area spaces that may be identified and used as instructional space.

Current staffing levels may be insufficient to accommodate the expanded number of class sections needed to ensure social distancing. Teachers and staff may be reassigned to accommodate in-person instruction needs at different grade levels.

All instruction will continue to be aligned to the New York State Learning Standards.

Our schools will minimize the movement of students. This means most students will eat lunch in their classroom instead of the cafeteria. There will be no assemblies, field trips and other large-group activities.

Special-area subjects (e.g., art, music, physical education) may be pushed into the classroom.  Whenever possible students will utilize outside space for physical education instruction. The District will adhere to a 12-foot distance between students when engaging in physical activity. Health guidelines require there is 12-foot social distancing for physical education as well as chorus and band instruction.

To the extent possible, students will remain in small cohorts if/when leaving the classroom, such as for recess or any necessary transition, so as to reduce their exposure to additional students.

For information on school schedules, visit the School Schedules section of our reopening plan.

Top of page

Hybrid Instruction – In-Person and Remote Learning

All social distancing precautions listed under “In-Person Instruction” will be in full force in Hybrid Instruction.

In the Hybrid model:

  • A remote learning option will be available for K-12.
  • In the event of a school closure, instruction will switch to virtual-only learning.

K-5 (In-Person Instruction Daily)

  • Daily in-person instruction with social distancing.
  • K-5 students will attend school at their home elementary school.
  • RTI teachers may be reassigned to reduce class sizes and provide more direct support and instruction for all students.
  • Special areas (art, library, music and PE) will primarily be push-in models, where teachers come to the classroom.
  • Choir will not be offered at the beginning of the year.
  • Sharing of materials and supplies will not be permitted – when necessary, items will be disinfected between use.
  • Movement and mask breaks will be built into the school day.
  • Recess will be scheduled with supervised activity and social distancing.
  • Lunches will be served in the classrooms.
  • Staff will be encouraged to use outdoor space to the extent possible.

Remote Learning Family Choice Option K-5 (updated August 12, 2020)

The K-5 Remote Learning Option is a choice families can make if they do not want their students to receive in-person instruction as described above. This model provides a balance between synchronous and asynchronous learning for these students.

Synchronous learning is an approach where teachers and students are online at the same time with a set schedule. Learning resources and tasks are provided for students to work on during a set class time.

Asynchronous learning is an approach where teachers and students are not online at the same time. Learning resources and tasks are provided for students to work on at a time that works for them and their families.

Grades K-2 (2-2 ½ hours of synchronous instruction)

  • Students will log on to their learning device daily (iPads for kindergarten/Chromebooks for grades 1-2).
  • The day will begin with the morning meeting/community building activities, attendance will be taken.
  • Students will receive live instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. In most cases, this synchronous instruction would not be delivered consecutively, but in periods throughout the school day.
  • Instruction in all other curricular areas will be asynchronous.
  • Students will be connected with a teacher/class for approximately 2 to 2 ½ hours each day.

Grades 3-5 (2 ½ – 3 hours of synchronous instruction)

  • Students will log on to their Chromebooks.
  • The day will begin with the morning meeting/community building activities, attendance will be taken.
  • Students will receive live instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. In most cases, this synchronous instruction would not be delivered consecutively, but in periods throughout the school day.
  • Instruction in all other curricular areas will be asynchronous.
  • Students will be connected with a teacher/class for approximately 2 ½ to 3 hours each day.

For those families who choose K-5 Remote Learning, please note:

  • Students who return to in-person instruction mid-year are not guaranteed a spot at their home school.
  • Teacher and building placements will be determined by available teaching staff and sections, student demand and most importantly, by the health and safety measures that are governed by CDC guidelines.
  • To limit possible COVID transmission, Remote Learning students would not be able to participate in any in-school activities.
  • Families who want to resume in-person instruction would be able to do so after November 13, 2020.

Additionally, if schools are ordered to be all virtual, the Remote Learning model as described above could be different.

Grade 6 (In-Person Instruction Daily)

  • Daily in-person instruction with social distancing.
  • Grade 6 will be housed at Bethlehem Central Middle School.
  • Schedule will be modeled similar to the elementary where students are in a single cohort to the extent possible.
  • The school day will be an 8-period day.Middle school teachers will still teach content by subject (ELA, Math, Sci, SS).
  • World language in Grade 6 will not be offered so these teachers can co-teach with content area teachers to reduce class sizes and provide more direct support for students.
  • Special areas (art, library, music and PE) will primarily be push-in models, where teachers come to the classroom.
  • Sharing of materials and supplies will not be allowed.
  • Movement and mask breaks will be built into the school day.
  • PE, Choir and Band all require 12-foot distancing so this will significantly limit activities and the scheduling of students in these classes.
  • Lunches will be served in three large areas with six-foot distancing.
  • Staff will be encouraged to use outdoor space to the extent possible.

Grade 6 Remote Learning Family Choice Option

The Grade 6 Remote Learning Option is a choice families can make if they do not want their students to receive in-person instruction as described above.

  • Students will follow an assigned schedule and receive live instruction in each of the core subject areas.
  • Students will receive all non-core instruction through pre-recorded videos and assigned tasks.
  • To limit possible COVID transmission, Remote Learning students would not be able to participate in any in-school activities.
  • Families who want to resume in-person instruction would be able to do after November 13, 2020.

Please note that if schools are ordered to be all virtual, the Remote Learning model as described above could be different.

Grade 7-8 (In-Person Instruction/Remote Instruction)

  • Students will remain at Bethlehem Central Middle School.
  • Alternate day model (in an “A” Day or “B” Day-type rotation) with students at BCMS every other day for live in-person instruction, with social distancing, while the other half receives live remote instruction.
  • School day will still follow a 9-period day.
  • PE, Choir and Band all require 12-foot distancing so this will significantly limit activities that we are able to offer.
  • Sharing of materials and supplies will not be allowed.
  • Students will be assigned to a classroom every period.
  • Attendance will be taken during both on-site and virtual learning days.
  • Student work will be graded and are expected to be present for all classes delivered remotely.
  • ENL students will receive in-person instruction daily.
  • Students in special education Intensive Skills and Skills classes will receive daily instruction.

Grades 7-8 Remote Learning Family Choice Option

The Grades 7-8 Remote Learning Option is a choice families can make if they do not want their students to receive the hybrid in-person/remote instruction as described above.

  • Students will follow an assigned schedule and receive live instruction in all subjects except physical education.
  • Students will receive physical education instruction through pre-recorded videos and assigned tasks.
  • To limit possible COVID transmission, Remote Learning students would not be able to participate in any in-school activities.
  • Families who want to resume in-person instruction would be able to do so after November 13, 2020.

Please note that if schools are ordered to be all virtual, the Remote Learning model as described above could be different.

Grades 9-12 (In-Person Instruction/Remote Instruction)

  • Students will remain at Bethlehem Central High School.
  • Alternate day model (in an “A” Day or “B” Day-type rotation) with students at BCHS every other day for live in-person instruction, with social distancing, while the other half receives live remote instruction.
  • School day will still follow an 8 period day.
  • PE, Choir and Band all require 12-foot distancing so this will significantly limit activities that we are able to offer.
  • Sharing of materials and supplies will not be allowed.
  • Students will be assigned to a classroom every period.
  • High School students will not be permitted to leave campus and return during the day
  • Attendance will be taken during both on-site and virtual learning days. Student work will be graded and are expected to be present for all classes delivered remotely. ENL students will receive in-person instruction daily. Students in special education Intensive Skills and Skills classes will receive daily instruction.

Grades 9-12 Remote Learning Family Choice Option

The Grades 9-12 Remote Learning Option is a choice families can make if they do not want their students to receive the hybrid in-person/remote instruction as described above.

  • Students will follow an assigned schedule and receive live instruction in all subjects except physical education.
  • Students will receive physical education instruction through pre-recorded videos and assigned tasks.
  • To limit possible COVID transmission, Remote Learning students would not be able to participate in any in-school activities.
  • Families who want to resume in-person instruction would be able to do after November 13, 2020.

More information about the Remote Learning Family Choice Option for students in grades 7-12

Students will follow an assigned schedule and receive live instruction in all subjects except physical education. Students may receive physical education instruction through pre-recorded videos and assigned tasks (dependent upon in-person class activity). Remote learning students will follow their assigned class schedule.

Teachers in grades 7-12 have the flexibility to design lessons that reflect their teaching philosophy. Requirements of all 7-12 lessons are that they meet the needs of students; the lessons ensure all students are actively engaged for the entire class period; and attendance is taken on a daily basis.

Below are some sample frameworks that a teacher might elect to use. This is not an exhaustive list and teachers might utilize another framework as well. Teachers could choose to vary the framework based upon a particular lesson. The same framework would not necessarily be used every day.

Framework 1

Remote students connect to the class via Google Meet or Zoom at the beginning of the period and remain connected throughout the entire lesson to take part in the class. They can interact with their teacher and their in-person and remote peers.

  • The teacher engages in a “traditional” 40-minute lecture/discussion

Framework 2

Remote students connect to the class via Google Meet or Zoom at the beginning of the period and remain connected throughout the entire lesson to take part in the class. They can interact with their teacher and their in-person and remote peers.

  • Lesson Opening (15 min): Quick welcome followed by the introduction of new content or the further exploration of a previous topic
  • Independent/Partner/Group Work (10 min): Students work independently, with a partner, or in groups. For partner or group work, a shared Google file could be utilized. Cameras could be turned off during this time.
  • Lesson Closing (10 min): Review and revise independent/partner/group work and
  • Flex Time (5 min): Assign homework, announcements, etc.

Framework 3

Remote students connect to the class via Google Meet or Zoom at the beginning of the period and remain connected for the whole-class lesson and then sign off for independent work.

  • Whole-Class Lesson (20 min): Quick welcome followed by the introduction of new content or the further exploration of a previous topic
  • Independent Work (20 min): In-person students will work independently and the teacher could provide support.  Remote students would work on the same or similar tasks and could summit via Google Classroom, if necessary.

Framework 4

Remote students log in to Google Classroom at the beginning of the period to retrieve their assignment. Students work on the assignment for the duration of the class period and submit at the end or at a later date, if appropriate.

Given the possibility that communities may experience spikes in COVID-19 cases at any point during the school year, which may prompt short or long-term school closures, our District has developed a hybrid/blended learning model and schedule that can continue as is in a fully remote environment.

Instruction will not only focus on “core” subject areas to the exclusion of elective courses. Consideration has been given to prioritizing hands-on and lab-based activities while students are onsite in school buildings. All instruction will continue to be aligned to the New York State Learning Standards.

As noted previously, student schedules will remain the same whether instruction is in person or remote so that students do not encounter conflicts wherein synchronous lessons for different subjects are offered simultaneously.

Remote learning opportunities for secondary students will include a greater emphasis on synchronous instruction, with teachers finding ways to provide live instruction and lessons to students. While recording of live lessons is still essential for students unable to attend at a scheduled time, teachers will ensure that their students are directly engaged with them and their class peers in experiential learning on a regular basis.

To ensure high-quality remote learning experiences, we will standardize the use of a single online learning platform, to the extent possible, and develop a common, coordinated set of guidelines for teachers to follow when using the platform with students.

Grading practices will follow a standards-based framework designed to provide direct feedback regarding students’ mastery of course content.

For information on school schedules, visit the School Schedules section of our reopening plan.

For information about how remote/hybrid instruction information will be communicated to students and families, visit the Communication/Family and Community Engagement section of our reopening plan.

Top of page