Ames Today

Under the mandate from the Iowa Department of Education, several school districts in the state have adjusted to the new normal of learning amid the coronavirus as they roll out new learning plans, according to Ames Tribune.

The modification comes after Gov. Kim Reynolds postponed the reopening of schools until April 30.

The Department of Education in Iowa told school districts they could either provide an opportunity for students to voluntarily complete ungraded coursework (teachers will still stay in communication), or a selection that would include graded required coursework. The third selection is for districts to just make up the all of the days when schools open their doors again.

Ames Community School District took the voluntary option for Pre-K through eighth grade, and required for high school.

The district’s spokesperson, Eric Smidt, said, “One of the reasons we went with required for the high school is because under the voluntary options, we as a building and district can’t grade access work that is done during this time. We feel as a district that now is a great opportunity for students – if they want – to improve their grade. That was one of the biggest reasons we chose required for our high school students.”

Meanwhile, Ballard Community School District decided on the voluntary learning option, explaining that it doesn’t have the bandwidth to complete the required option.

“We are simply not prepared at this time to ensure that ‘academic work is equivalent in effort and rigor to classroom work’ in a distance learning environment,” according to Ames Tribune. 

Gilbert Community School District also took the same route, explaining in a statement that it is “continuing to grow our resources and optional engagement activities for students during this closure,” according to Ames Tribune. 

Teachers will communicate via live Zoom or Google Hangout video meetings.