How It Works (Middle School)
Work Completion Expectation
In middle school, student learning changes to a semester-based approach where students are required to earn a passing grade of 60 percent or above on their assignments and online lessons. Due dates are assigned to lessons to encourage consistent, steady progress for academic success. Attending teacher-led, online synchronous Class Connect sessions, along with completing coursework, will also assist with student success. Middle school teachers will work with families to ensure students are progressing academically as expected. To achieve success, it’s in the student’s best interest to follow the pacing schedule that’s assigned for each course and attend all live class instruction according to the student’s individual schedule.
Middle school is a time when students become more independent, taking on more responsibility and ownership for their learning. A parent (or other responsible adult) serves as a Learning Coach to the child. Parent/Learning Coach involvement is critical for student success, as middle school students continue to build their organization and time-management skills. Teachers set the pace of instruction, but the Learning Coach helps the student stay on track.
Parent/Learning Coach involvement may vary per child and grade level. The initial 4–8 weeks can be intensive as families settle into a routine. Students in grades 6–8 build self-advocacy skills and work more directly with teachers, but parent/Learning Coach involvement is essential for approximately 20 hours a week.
Working with Your Teacher
While online lessons can usually be completed at any time of day, students will be required to attend live Class Connect sessions with their teacher(s) based on the student’s individual needs. During Class Connect sessions, students will receive direct instruction from teachers and have opportunities to interact and collaborate with classmates. In addition to regular, synchronous classroom instruction, teachers may offer support or small group sessions to assist in student learning. Parents/Learning Coaches are encouraged to contact their child’s homeroom teacher any time they have questions or concerns.
Attendance is expected according to the Chickasaw City School District calendar; however, academic progress can be achieved during the weekends as well. Students are expected to make up any missed assignments and watch or listen to recordings of any class sessions they miss. Middle school students are expected to spend approximately 5–7 hours on schoolwork per school day.
Email is the primary form of communication between the school and families. Learning Coaches and students are required to check and respond to emails on a daily basis.
The school year begins with benchmark testing to measure students’ baseline knowledge and these results will drive individualized instruction. Mid-year and end-of-year benchmark testing will also occur to measure each student’s growth toward mastering all state standards. Our testing is purposeful and meaningful and drives our instructional practices to best serve the individual needs of your child.
ALDCA students must comply with all Alabama-mandated testing requirements.