Online Learning Manual for Students

The Upper Darby School District is committed to inclusivity and ensuring that all members of our community have access to important information. This document is available in several languages to accommodate our diverse population. If you need to access this document in a language other than English, please click the accessibility button (stick-figure) found on the top right of this page and select your language of choice. Please contact Aaronda Q. Beauford, Director of Communications, at abeauford@upperdarbysd.org with any questions, comments, or suggestions related to the translation of this document.

The message below has been translated into the five (5) most common home languages identified by Upper Darby School District families in the Home Access Center (HAC), following English: Spanish, Bengali, Urdu, Vietnamese, and Arabic:

To Translate This Document: The Accessibility and Translation toolbar is located at the top of this page. Click Translate and select your preferred language to view this document in another language.

SPANISH — ESPAÑOL

Para traducir este documento: La barra de herramientas de accesibilidad y traducción se encuentra en la parte superior de esta página. Haga clic en «Traducir» y seleccione el idioma de su preferencia para ver este documento en otro idioma.

BENGALI — BANGLA বাংলা

এই নথিটি অনুবাদ করতে: এই পৃষ্ঠার উপরের অংশে 'অ্যাক্সেসিবিলিটি অ্যান্ড ট্রান্সলেশন' (Accessibility and Translation) টুলবারটি রয়েছে। অন্য কোনো ভাষায় নথিটি দেখতে 'Translate'-এ ক্লিক করুন এবং আপনার পছন্দের ভাষাটি নির্বাচন করুন।

ei nothiti anubad korte: ei prishthar uporer angshe 'axesibiliti and translation' (Accessibility and Translation) toolbarti royeche. anno kono bhashay nothiti dekhte 'Translate'-a click karun ebong aapnar pochonder bhasati nirbachon korun.

URDU — ARDOاردو

اس دستاویز کا ترجمہ کرنے کے لیے: 'ایکسیسیبلٹی اینڈ ٹرانسلیشن' (Accessibility and Translation) ٹول بار اس صفحے کے اوپری حصے میں موجود ہے۔ اس دستاویز کو کسی دوسری زبان میں دیکھنے کے لیے 'Translate' پر کلک کریں اور اپنی پسندیدہ زبان منتخب کریں۔

is dastavez ka tarjamah karne ke liye: 'exisibleti and translation' (Accessibility and Translation) tol bar is safhe ke operi hissay min mojud hay. is dastavez ko kasi dosari zaban min dekhane ke liye 'Translate' par kalk karin or apani pasandidah zaban mantakhab karin.

VIETNAMESE — TIẾNG VIỆT

Để dịch tài liệu này: Thanh công cụ Hỗ trợ tiếp cận và Dịch thuật nằm ở đầu trang này. Hãy nhấp vào "Dịch" (Translate) và chọn ngôn ngữ bạn muốn để xem tài liệu này bằng ngôn ngữ khác.

ARABIC — EARABIUN عربي

لترجمة هذه الوثيقة: يوجد شريط أدوات إمكانية الوصول والترجمة في أعلى هذه الصفحة. انقر على "ترجمة" (Translate) واختر اللغة التي تفضلها لعرض هذه الوثيقة بلغة أخرى.

litarjamat hadhih alwathiqati: yujad sharit 'adawat 'iimkaniat alwusul waltarjamat fi 'aelaa hadhih alsafhati. anqur ealaa "tarjamati" (Translate) wakhtar allughat alati tufadiluha lieard hadhih alwathiqat bilughat 'ukhraa.

Upper Darby School District offers various learning models for our students living in the School District. These models include In-Person Instruction, Synchronous Online Learning, and Asynchronous Online Learning. Students may choose any of these options for their education. The curriculum was developed by Upper Darby School District’s highly qualified teachers and is available on our district's Learning Management System (LMS), Schoology. All students are assigned to their home building. Their assigned school will provide support. Students may participate in clubs, field trips, sports, and all available building activities. Please visit your school’s website for more information on these activities.

In-Person Learning - This learning model is available to all students in the Upper Darby School District. Students attend a district building each school day and participate in their classes. In-person learning is the traditional model of schooling. This learning model is strongly encouraged for K-5 students.

Synchronous Online Learning - This learning model is available to all students in the Upper Darby School District. The Upper Darby School District began providing synchronous learning in the 2020-2021 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This model has remained an option for families who require students to attend online at specified times and to follow the school’s In-Person schedule. Teachers and staff will utilize the technology installed throughout the district (e.g., Classroom cameras, microphones) to provide opportunities, unity, and excellence in education for all students. Parent/guardian supervision and internet service are required for this instructional model.

Asynchronous Online Learning - This learning model is available to all students in the Upper Darby School District. The courses were written by Upper Darby School District teachers and will be delivered through Schoology, our Learning Management System (LMS). School assignments will be released weekly by the teacher of record. Asynchronous learning assignments and pacing will align with the in-person learning environment. While virtual learning models are available for K-5 students, we strongly encourage parents of online learners to attend in-person instruction. Parent/ guardian supervision and internet service are required for this instructional model.

Home Education - A home education program (sometimes referred to as homeschooling) is different from district online learning. Parents can provide their children with a curriculum as long as they comply with Pennsylvania Department of Education laws regarding homeschooling. A home education program is not considered a nonpublic school under the home education law. Homeschooling is a program (24 P.S. § 13-1327.1 (b)) and is a right, as long as the required documentation is submitted in accordance with Policy 137. For more information, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education Website.

ClassLink/Launchpad - A launchpad that allows K-12 students to sign on with one password to access all district apps and resources. The launchpad is available on all district Chromebooks.

Google Meet is a video communication service developed by Google and available through our Google Suite.

Learning Management Systems (LMS) - a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, automation, and delivery of educational courses, training programs, or learning and development programs. Upper Darby School District uses Schoology as its LMS.

Schoology, a Learning Management System (LMS) for K-12 and post-secondary institutions, allows users to create, manage, and share academic content. This cloud-based platform provides the tools needed to manage a virtual classroom lesson. Upper Darby School District’s highly qualified teachers create or upload allowable, previously created materials posted on Schoology. This learning management system can be accessed through ClassLink.

Video Conferencing Software - software that facilitates initiating and conducting live conferences between two or more participants at different sites using computer networks to transmit audio, video, and text data. The video conferencing software used by the Upper Darby School District is Google Meet.

The official UDSD calendar for the school year can be found by clicking the link below or visiting Board Docs.

We are asking parents to choose the learning environment that best suits their child for the 2026-2027 school year and remain in that learning environment for the duration of the school year. However, if a family needs to switch learning environments, a written request must be made to the building principal/assistant principal. The principal/assistant principal will schedule a meeting to discuss the transition date and the plan for changing the learning environment. The principal/assistant principal will communicate with the family throughout the transition from one learning environment to another. There may be situations where the building virtual committee may choose to have the student remain in their current instructional model.

Changes to the instructional model will align with the approved district calendar trimesters, marking periods, and/or semester breaks. When an instructional model is adjusted, the assigned teacher may also be adjusted to accommodate the child’s daily schedule.

*In the case of disciplinary action, there may be exceptions to adjusting the instructional models. In this case, a central administrator and the building principal would address it.

Students and teachers will follow the grading procedures as outlined by each school. Please visit your school's website regarding particular grading procedures.

Synchronous and Asynchronous students have access to the same technology and supplies as in-person students. Online learners will receive a district-issued Chromebook. Teachers will inform students of any necessary supplies and provide them in the Course Home folder for each Schoology course. Handouts given to in-person students will be made available electronically to online learners through Schoology. If a handout cannot be made available, an alternative assignment will be provided.

The building administrator will arrange for online learners and their families to pick up any materials they may need. Additional information about pick-up locations and times will be provided in August. Families and students who transition to a synchronous or asynchronous model at the beginning of the marking period or trimester will pick up their materials at their home building on the date provided by the building principal/assistant principal during the prior transition meeting.

All virtual students will be issued a district Chromebook and district login credentials for instructional use. Virtual students MUST use this device and email to access Schoology and other online learning platforms. If a student has a technological issue with their Chromebook, they should try these troubleshooting tips. If that doesn’t work, email Techservices@upperdarbysd.org.

The student’s counselor will schedule and participate in a weekly synchronous meeting with each asynchronous learner each week. This is referred to as a wellness check-in. This must be done for each week that has at least three full or partial days of academic instruction. The student’s counselor will communicate to both the student and the parent the time, the meeting link, and the day of the week for the synchronous check-in meeting. If the student does not attend the weekly check-in, the parent/guardian will receive communication from the school to have their child complete the wellness check-in for the following day. The parent/guardian must contact the student’s counselor to schedule this wellness check-in. If a wellness check-in is not completed, a wellness review conference will be scheduled with you and your child.

The student’s grade-level counselor will schedule and participate in a weekly synchronous meeting with each asynchronous learner each week. This is referred to as a wellness check-in. This must be done for each week that has at least three full or partial days of academic instruction. The student’s grade- level counselor will communicate to both the student and the parent the time, the meeting link, and the day of the week for the synchronous check-in meeting. If the student does not attend the weekly check-in, the parent/guardian will receive communication from the school to have their child complete the wellness check-in for the following day. The parent/guardian must contact the student’s grade-level counselor to schedule this wellness check-in. If a wellness check-in is not completed, a wellness review conference will be scheduled with you and your child.

Students must attend a Virtual Orientation Session on the first day of student orientation in August. Students who change instructional models, as outlined on page 4, will attend a virtual orientation on the first day of their new placement.

Students must follow all Code of Character procedures as outlined by their home building. Students can find the Code of Character on each school’s website. In addition to the Code of Character, students must follow the Acceptable Use of Internet, Computers, and Online Resources.

Completion of assignments is based on the specific assignment requirements for the class/course. Students and their families are encouraged to check their grades in Home Access Center (HAC) and Schoology weekly. This will help keep track of student progress and missing assignments.

For academic support, students should:

• Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments must be taken in the building or online, depending on the home school’s preference for MAP testing. MAP assessments are administered three times a year. MAP measures achievement and growth in K-12 math and reading. This assessment provides teachers with accurate, actionable evidence to target instruction for each student or group. For more information on MAP assessments, please visit the NWEA website by clicking here.
• MAP Reading Fluency assessments are required benchmark assessments to be taken in the building or online, depending on the home school’s preference. MAP Reading Fluency tests are administered three times per year by the building literacy team. MAP Reading Fluency measures reading accuracy and provides teachers with data to support students during MTSS/reading instructional time.

• Keystone Testing - Students will be required to take all Keystone Assessments in the building. Keystone Exams are administered to qualifying 8th graders and all high school students. For more information regarding Keystone testing, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s website by clicking on this link.
• Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) Testing - Students in grades 3-8 will be required to take the PSSA in the building. For more information regarding the PSSA, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education website by clicking on this link.
• ACCESS Testing- Students who have qualified for EL Services are annually administered the ACCESS WIDA to measure students' English Language proficiency and progress in reading, writing, speaking, and listening/understanding. Students will be required to take the ACCESS test in the building. For more information about WIDA Access Testing, please visit the WIDA website by clicking on this link.
• Advanced Placement Testing - If a student qualifies for advanced placement testing, they may be required to take their exams in the building or online, depending on the test-taking procedures as outlined by the College Board. For more information on AP testing, please visit the College Board website by clicking on this link.

All students who are enrolled in the UDSD synchronous learning program are required to have a weekly synchronous check-in meeting with a UDSD staff member. We must be able to verify student well-being each week that has at least three full or partial days of academic instruction for our virtual learners.

Elementary:

Each week the classroom teacher will take attendance for their synchronous students. Students must have their camera on in order for their teacher to complete the weekly wellness check-in. If they are unable to verify a student’s well-being by Wednesday for a particular week, the parent/guardian will receive communication from the school to have their child complete the wellness check-in for the following day by turning on their camera and being visible in class. If a wellness check-in is not completed, a wellness review conference will be scheduled with you and your child.

Middle School:

Each week, the classroom teachers will take attendance for their synchronous students. Students must have their camera on in order for their teacher to complete the weekly wellness check-in. If they are unable to verify a student’s well-being by Wednesday for a particular week, the parent/guardian will receive communication from the school to have their child complete the wellness check-in for the following day by turning on their camera and being visible in class. If a wellness check-in is not completed, a wellness review conference will be scheduled with you and your child.

High School:

Each week, the classroom teachers will take attendance for their synchronous students. Students must have their camera on in order for their teacher to complete the weekly wellness check-in. If they are unable to verify a student’s well-being by Wednesday for a particular week, the parent/guardian will receive communication from the school to have their child complete the wellness check-in for the following day by turning on their camera and being visible in class. If a wellness check-in is not completed, a wellness review conference will be scheduled with you and your child.

Learning Expectations of Students:

Synchronous students are required to attend their classes online at specified times and follow the school’s In-Person schedule. Teachers and staff will utilize the technology installed throughout the district (e.g., Classroom cameras, microphones) to provide opportunities, unity, and excellence in education for all students.

• Students MUST keep their cameras on, except in extenuating circumstances or during a brief break.

• Students must engage in classroom discussions via chat, audio, and video features.

• Students must follow their regular schedule as they would in the building.

• Students must complete assignments and activities as assigned by the classroom teacher.

While parent/guardian supervision is an integral part of a child’s success, classroom instructional time cannot be used for parent conferences. Therefore, we ask that parents not join the Google Meet; instead, email the teacher(s) if a parent conference is requested.

Synchronous Teacher:

The assigned teacher will be responsible for taking attendance for the students on their roster on the eSchool platform. All attendance procedures must be followed in accordance with Policy 204. Students will be required to adhere to the student expectations for online learning.

If a student is not continually engaged in the learning process, proceed as you normally would with an in-person student, such as emailing or phoning home and meeting with a guidance counselor. If a student is still not engaging in the learning process, the student may be asked to return to in-person instruction.

Asynchronous Teacher:

The assigned teacher will be responsible for taking attendance for the students on the eSchool platform. All attendance procedures must be followed in accordance with Policy 204. Asynchronous students are required to log in each day (Elementary students log in to homeroom; Secondary students log in to each class) for attendance purposes.

Upper Darby School District offers three learning options for students. All three learning options are unique and require students to be active participants in their learning. Learning can only take place in an honest academic setting. Students are expected to use their ideas and expressions. Plagiarism is against the Upper Darby School District Code of Character. Therefore, students are expected to:

1. Utilize an Upper Darby School District Chromebook to complete assignments.

2. Utilize their Upper Darby School District Email credentials to access the curriculum and communicate with teachers and counselors.

Special Education

UDSD will continue to provide Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and special education services (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA] and PA Code Title 22, Chapter 14) to support students in both asynchronous and synchronous learning environments. IEP Teams will be in close contact with families to discuss schedules, support, and any necessary changes for an online learning environment. IEP teams will work with families to implement the best plan possible to ensure FAPE in an online learning environment. Additionally, IEP teams will monitor progress using various online tools.

Section 504 Service Agreements

Students’ individual Section 504 service plans will remain active and be monitored in virtual or asynchronous learning models. It may be possible that some accommodations are no longer necessary in a virtual or asynchronous environment, or additional accommodations are necessary in either learning model. Case managers and 504 teams will discuss changes with families and amend existing service agreements as necessary.

Gifted Education

All requirements under PA Code Title 22, Chapter 16 for Gifted Education will be followed, and any amendments to gifted individualized education plans (GIEPs) will be discussed with GIEP teams and appropriately documented. In some instances, students who are generally working in the asynchronous model may be required to join a synchronous gifted support group with the gifted education teacher for instruction in specific content targeted for acceleration and/or enrichment.

Language Instruction Educational Program

Upper Darby School District will continue to provide English language development (ELD) instruction to identified English Learners. Broadly speaking, English language development can take place in one of two settings. Either stand-alone ELD direct instruction or content-embedded ELD instruction.

At the elementary level, synchronous students will receive stand-alone ELD instruction as part of their day, designated for small group and/or independent English Language Arts instruction.

Students' schedules may vary depending on their English Language Proficiency Level. Asynchronous students’ schedules will vary depending on their English Language Proficiency Level. Students will be assigned work to support their English Language development.

At the secondary level, synchronous students will receive content-embedded ELD instruction during their scheduled English/Language Arts time. Asynchronous students will be enrolled in a course to support English Language Development. Identified English Learners will take an assessment to determine their current level and placement in the ELD program.

All courses, synchronous or asynchronous, are taught by Upper Darby School District's highly qualified teachers. Teachers will:

• Provide a grade-level curriculum that supports each student.
• Answer emails or Schoology messages promptly.
• Use a variety of local, state, and National assessments based on content and standards. Assessments will be summative and formative.
• Communicate regarding assessment schedules.
• Follow a specific protocol, including but not limited to
• Responding to phone calls promptly (24 - 48 hours)
• Grading assignments within a reasonable time
• Communicating with students regarding the objectives and expectations.
• Standardization and organization of course content

Q: Can my student switch their learning model (Synchronous, Asynchronous, or in-person learning) at any time?

A: We are asking parents to choose the learning environment that best suits their child and remain in that learning environment for the duration of the school year. However, if a family needs to switch learning environments, a written request must be made to the building principal/assistant principal. The principal/assistant principal will set up a meeting to discuss the transition date and plan for changing the learning environment. Changes to the instructional model will align with the approved district calendar trimesters, marking periods, and/or semester breaks. When an instructional model is adjusted, the assigned teacher may also be adjusted to accommodate the child’s daily schedule.

Q: I understand that all classrooms in UDSD will have live-streaming video and audio equipment. Will my child be on camera and visible to others via live stream?

A: The expectation is that teachers will use classroom cameras to enhance students’ learning in the virtual setting. This means that some students may be on camera at different points throughout instruction.

Q: Will my child be recorded with video cameras?

A: No. The cameras do not record students.

Q: If my child misses a live lesson, will it be recorded for the students to view later?

A: Lessons will not be recorded. Please contact your teacher if you have missed a lesson. Synchronous students who miss a live lesson will be marked as absent by the teacher.

Q: Are students allowed to come to the building to complete work in their home school building?

A: If a student struggles with asynchronous or synchronous learning at home, we suggest students switch to in-person learning. Students can do that at semester/trimester/marking period breaks by having a parent make a written request to the building principal/assistant principal. The principal/assistant principal will set up a meeting to discuss the transition date and plan for changing the learning environment.

Q: Will Vo-Tech students be allowed to participate synchronously in their courses?

A: Vo-Tech is only available in person. Students who choose the asynchronous online learning mode will attend Vo-Tech in person and complete the asynchronous schoolwork before or after their Vo-Tech program.

Q: Does my student follow the same academic calendar as other in-person students in UDSD?

A: Yes, all students will follow the 2026-2027 academic calendar, as shown on page 4.

Q: My child is in ELL classes. Can my child participate in synchronous or asynchronous online learning through UDSD?

A: Upper Darby School District strongly recommends that English Learners participate in the in-person learning model. However, any UDSD student may decide to participate in online learning. It is important to include the English Language Development teacher in reviewing their educational plan.

Q: Does my student need a computer?

A: Students do not need to purchase a computer. All Upper Darby School District students are provided a Chromebook to complete their schoolwork. Students should use this Chromebook for school purposes only. If there are technical problems with the Chromebook, first try these troubleshooting tips. If that doesn’t fix the problem, email familyschoologysupport@upperdarbysd.org.

Q: Will my student be reimbursed for internet access?

A: Students will not be reimbursed for internet access. If you are financially unable to obtain internet access, please contact your home school building’s social worker.

Q: What if I am interested in homeschooling my child?

A: Homeschooling is different from district online learning. Parents can provide their children with a curriculum as long as they comply with Pennsylvania Department of Education laws regarding homeschooling. A home education program is not considered a nonpublic school under the home education law. Homeschooling is a program (24 P.S. § 13-1327.1 (b)) and is a right, as long as the required documentation is submitted in accordance with Policy 137. For more information, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education Website.