KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knox County Schools officially launched its "KCS@Home" resources on Monday.
The district explained the purpose of the launch on its website:
"Knox County teachers have worked with content supervisors and specialists to prepare resources to help your family continue to learn at home during the COVID-19 school closure. As you explore the resources, keep in mind that all of the work is optional and you should use it in the way that makes the most sense for your current family situation. No student's grade will be impacted positively or negatively. "
In a nutshell, the launch includes packets and additional online materials for kindergarten through 8th grade and online resources for high school students. High school students who don't have a device with internet access they can contact the district.
It said it could help students on a "first come first serve basis." Online resources include content on the KCS website, YouTube and PBS.
There are many questions in the unprecedented period of COVID-19. On Tuesday Superintendent Bob Thomas, Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer Jon Rysewyk and Assistant Superintendent Chief Financial Officer Ron McPherson answered questions people submitted last week and answered them on the KCS website.
How will GPAs and credits be affected for graduating seniors?
Superintendent Bob Thomas said it would depend on a Tennessee Board of Education meeting held April 9th.
"On April 9, the Tennessee State Board of Education called an emergency meeting to address many issues, including the effect the extended closure is having on this year’s senior class," he said. "Knox County has developed an internal plan in preparation for the State Board’s decisions and we’re hopeful that we will be able to communicate that plan soon after their meeting."
In the meantime proms within the closure dates are postponed and whether graduation ceremonies will be held is still in discussion.
"As a district we remain committed to exploring ways to restore some of these important experiences when this public health emergency passes. We will communicate any decisions as soon as possible," Thomas added.
Why are the learning materials are a review, instead of teaching new material?
Superintendent Thomas said they are meant to be a resource to families. On its website, the district said that they are optional and not for a grade.
"KCS does not have the ability to make sure every student has a laptop and internet access. So we can now completely go with online learning to teach new materials at this time," Thomas said.
What about the material students are supposed to be leaning?
Rysewyk said KCS has some ideas but it depends on whether students will return to the classroom this year and what that will look like.
"When we return to class, our Department of Teaching & Learning is already working on plans to prioritize standards that have not been covered," Rysewyk said. "There is no doubt that when school resumes, classroom teachers will need to assess their students informally and focus on identifying gaps in their learning."
What about overall grades for everyone?
Clarity on what may happen to students' overall grades could come from the state's meeting on Thursday as well.
"We are hoping they will provide guidance on that," Rysewyk added.
The district also touched on support for student therapy and special education as well as the future of the district's budget.
"We’ve made a commitment to pay our employees through the remainder of the school year," McPherson said." However, because sales tax revenue likely won’t be coming in at normal levels over that time period, we have to draw funding from somewhere else to meet this obligation.
McPherson added that's where the rainy day fund comes into play.
"Our rainy day fund is not a sustainable revenue stream, so it’s vitally important for the district budget that the economy bounces back to normal levels over the next several months, assuming that it does take a short-term hit," he said. "We’re continuing to gather as much information as possible to help us make informed decisions as we go through the budget development process over the next several weeks."
They district answered several other questions like:
- How will students advance to the next grade after missing so many days, and will summer school be necessary?
- How will the closure affect high school credits and GPAs, particularly for students who are applying to college?
- What is the status of graduation ceremonies in May, and what will happen with prom?
- Why is “KCS at Home” limited to material that was already covered this semester?
- What are the options for parents who work and are unable to pick up KCS@home assignments on Wednesday mornings?
- What is the status of IEP meetings for this year that are now due?
- Will there be any budget reductions?