What is Flexible Learning? Flexible Learning involves online lessons that students complete when away from the physical school building.  By using one-to-one Chromebooks/iPads, USC recognizes that a robust education can continue even when students and teachers are not in the same location.  Along with emphasizing the value of learning, the Flexible Learning plan encourages character growth in the areas of self-sufficiency, adaptability, and perseverance.  

What are the Goals of USC’s Flexible Learning Initiative?  

1. To minimize the disruption to academic progress caused by emergency school closures by making these out-of-school days as educationally productive and engaging as possible.
2. To allow USC’s PK-12 students the opportunity to practice the kind of online learning that is increasingly part of both college study and workplace training.  
3. To maximize use of USC’s one-to-one technology.

What does Flexible Learning look like at USC?  

• PreK-4 students will complete lessons posted in Seesaw.
• 5-12 students will complete lessons posted in Schoology.
• Teachers will monitor student progress and provide feedback and guidance regarding student work.
• As required under Chapter 125A, assignments for students with disabilities will be designed to meet the needs of IEP/504 plans.
• Access to Seesaw and Schoology will require Internet access.  Students and parents without home Internet access are asked to inform teachers of this fact so the school can provide Internet access.

How Will Families Be Notified That Flexible Learning Is Expected?  If regular school is cancelled, families, teachers, and students will receive an announcement about Flexible Learning expectations through the school messaging system.  Also, a notice will be placed on the USC website, on the school’s official Facebook site, and, if possible, the implementation of a Flexible Learning Day will be broadcast in conjunction with the school closing announcements on radio and television.

What Will Teachers Provide on Flexible Learning Days?

• K-4 Teachers

• Lessons in Reading, Language Arts, and Math will be posted to Seesaw.
• Teachers will provide the opportunity for students to Zoom for Reading/Language Arts at 9:00 am.
• Teachers will provide the opportunity for students to Zoom for Math at 10:30 am.
• Assignments and other work will be collected via Seesaw.
• Students and teachers may communicate through Seesaw, email, and/or individual Zoom meetings.

• 5-12 Teachers

• Teachers will provide instruction via Zoom meetings following a regular school day schedule.

• Zoom links will be provided in Schoology
• Additional lessons will be provided in Schoology
• Assignments and other work will be collected via Schoology

• Students and teachers may communicate through Schoology messaging, email, and/or individual Zoom meetings.

• When creating lessons, teachers will be mindful that students learn at different levels, especially in independent settings.  If needed, teachers will modify lessons to meet individual learning needs.

What are the Expectations for Students during a Flexible Learning Day?

• Log into each class in Schoology/Seesaw. Attendance will be taken for every period in high school and daily for elementary.
• Attend daily Zoom class meetings.
• Understand the standards and essential learner outcomes for each lesson.
• Observe appropriate digital etiquette.
• Engage in your learning tasks and self monitor your progress.
• Ask questions when you are unsure.
• Complete lessons with your best effort.

How can Parents Help Support Student Success with Flexible Learning?

• Organize a dedicated learning space with your student, free from distractions.
• Help your student create and follow an at-home learning routine.
• Contact the USC Elementary (507-553-5810) or USC High School (507-553-5819) if your student is ill and will miss class.
• Preview/review essential learner outcomes, success criteria, and learning tasks in your student’s Seesaw/Schoology courses.
• Monitor your student’s grades in JMC.
• Communicate any concerns with your student’s teachers.

How will USC address the concerns of students with special needs?  Working with parents, students, and teachers, the Special Education case managers have established Contingency Learning Plans to follow for students on IEPs for distance learning. Case managers will follow the distance learning plan in CLPs for flexible learning days.