Lawrence Public Schools

 

A.  K-5th Grade Learning Coaches are expected to be actively teaching and working with their student on a daily basis.  Lessons and courses are not designed for a student to complete totally independent of a teaching adult.  The amount of time working directly with the student varies based on age and grade level, as well as student mastery.  For example, a kindergarten student will interact with their Learning Coach for almost the entire amount of their school day, whereas, a fifth grader will be able to complete more independent practice (however, it is still expected that a teaching adult be working with the student daily).

Middle school and high school students work more independently, with parents providing support and accountability to the student. Middle school students may still need learning coach support and interaction; they will also participate in weekly Class Connect sessions with course teachers.  HS students meet more directly with their teachers in bi-weekly Class Connect sessions.

 

A.  While many middle school students are motivated and confident learners and can do much of the independent practice without assistance from a parent, it is EXPECTED that a Learning Coach (teaching adult) be available to work with their middle school student daily to provide instruction, guidance, support, and monitor daily activities/assessments.

 

A.  Lessons and instructions are provided for the Learning Coach and student through the online school platform.  Daily and weekly lesson plans are a part of this provided program.  By following the schedule, students will be able to complete their year’s curriculum within the school year’s time frame.

 

A.  We expect that students will work approximately 30 percent of their time on the computer in the early grades and progressively more as they advance through the higher grades.  Computers provide a balanced approach in education and act as powerful tools that can motivate, stimulate, and inform children about the world around them.  They do not, however, replace a solid education; rather, they help facilitate one.  LVS and our curriculum vendors use a unique multimedia approach that includes a great deal of well-written and designed textbooks (some are online texts), workbooks, and hands-on instruction materials.

A.  Families have the flexibility to enjoy a family vacation during the school year.  Communication with the assigned Education Specialist or Homeroom Teacher (KS certified teacher) to plan for missed days and completion of work will help to keep the student on track for their lesson completion.

 

A.  Our school participates in the State Attendance Audit in mid-September.  Students are required to be engaged in their coursework and logged into their on-line lessons on these particular days.  More information about particular dates will be available once the school year starts.  Attendance Audit is our way of accounting for the number of students enrolled in our school, which, in turn, determines the school's state funding provided for our school to function.

 

A.  Families have the flexibility to plan their weekly schedule to fit their family’s schedule.  For example, some students will plan their weekly schedule for Tuesday-Saturday to fit with a non-teaching parent’s work schedule, while others may plan in a weekly or monthly field trip day or a visit to grandma’s house (including accounting for missed lessons to be completed at another time).  A typical student does complete school five days per week.

 

A.  Students have the flexibility to move forward in lessons as they master the concepts.  If they master a particular topic or skill quickly, they can move ahead.  Students also have the time and flexibility to spend more time studying and discovering about areas that interest them, once they have completed their daily lessons.

 

A.  It is possible to teach more than one child in the family.  Learning Coaches will need to plan their day accordingly to provide time for direct instruction for each child.  Education Specialists and Homeroom Teachers can help with planning a schedule that will work for you and your family.

 

A.  Students participate in Kansas state assessments in the spring.  Assessments include reading, math, social studies, and science. Students complete the assessments in person at testing locations set up and proctored by LVS staff.

 

High school students also take their semester finals in a face-to-face setting with LVS teachers.