Troy Area School District - Flexible Instructional Day (FID)
Flexible Instruction Days (FIDs) allow us to minimize the impact of emergency closures on student learning and the need for make-up days at the end of the school year. Students can get their schoolwork done AND still get out there and play in the snow!
The district believes that using a Flexible Instructional Day will allow students and teachers to continue the learning process while responding to a weather closure or emergency situation efficiently. Flexible instruction allows students to complete classwork at home should a situation occur which would prevent normal operations in one school or throughout the district. Flexible instructional programs may be online, offline, or a combination of the two. PDE will count this as a full day of school. The District has been approved to use up to a maximum of five (5) FID for this school year.
Assignments: Teachers will explain to students the assignments and how to access the assignments that will need to be completed during the FID. Learners will be assigned work to be completed either using their school-issued devices and applications OR paper/pencil assignments. Students are expected to complete assignments for all classes that would normally meet on the FID, as this will be a typical school day.
Younger students or students with accommodations may require some support from an adult. Teachers will design learning activities and assignments that are developmentally appropriate and similar in timeframe to daily classwork. Students working independently on an assignment will likely take less time to complete the assignment compared to a large group setting, yet this may vary depending on the individual student and grade level.
If a student cannot access the Internet or paper copies of the learning activities, he/she will have three (3) school days to complete the assignments. Any student who fails to complete their FID assignment within three school days will be marked as absent.
Students with IEPs: FID lessons will be designed for students with IEPs utilizing their program modifications, specially designed instruction, and supplementary aids and services identified in their individualized education plans. Upon return from a FID day, the special education teacher will meet with students to review work submitted, checking for completion, and understanding. If needed, students with IEPs will have up to five (5) school days to complete assignments.
Access: Alternative activities will also be provided in the event that students are not able to access online resources. If a student cannot access the Internet or the paper copies of the learning activities, he/she will have three (3) school days to complete the assignments. Any student who fails to complete their FID assignment within three school days will be marked as absent on the FID.
School Calendar Impact: Flexible instructional days eliminate the need for a make-up day since students are completing classwork at home. Implementing a FID will not require additional make-up days when school is canceled. These make-up days could shorten the spring break or extend the school year. The District can use up to five (5) FIDs per school year. FIDs are considered a school day and count toward the number of instructional days/hours required under Article 15 of the Public School Code and Chapter 11 of the State Board of Education regulations. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your school principal.
FAQs regarding Flexible Instruction Days
What if a student is on a pre-arranged absence?
The student would be expected to make up the learning activities and assignments within three days of returning to school just as if it were any other absence from school.
How is a student expected to complete the activities if they go to a child/daycare when school is canceled?
If the student cannot access the internet or take a paper-copy of the learning activities and assignments to the day care to complete that day, the student would have three days to complete the activities for course credit. However, students will be marked absent if they were unable to participate on the actual day of the FID.
How much time is my student expected to take to complete the assignments?
Teachers have designed learning activities and assignments that are equivalent to time spent on a similar activity on a regularly scheduled class period. Students working independently on an assignment will likely take less to time to complete the assignment compared to a large group setting. Teachers will make every effort to assign an approximate time to each activity or assignment.
Will there still be make-up dates built into the district calendar?
Yes, make-up dates will continue to be built into the district calendar. A FID is an option that may be used in place of one or more canceled school days or make-up days but may not be used for all canceled school days in any given school year. The district will communicate upon closing if this will be a Flexible Instructional Day or a snow day to make-up at a later date.
What if a student does not have access to their district device or internet on an FID?
If a household does not have Internet access, please contact the student’s building principal. Parents and/or students should make teachers aware of a need for a hard copy of the assignment and/or store materials on their device for offline use. Any student can choose to do a hard copy assignment, even if internet access is not an issue.
Will elementary students have assignments and activities for their special classes such as music? Students will be expected to complete lessons for classes that are typically scheduled for that day to include specials in physical education, health, art, music and library.
If the District has a FID day, will there still be after school activities and sports?
No. If the district has closed and put a FID in place, all activities will be canceled.