Hybrid high school minimally impacted based on existing blended learning model

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – NexTech High School of Grand Rapids announced its Return to Learn plan detailing three different scenarios for the 2020-2021 school year. The different scenarios allow students to stay on top of work and maintain contact with teachers in an atmosphere familiar to them, even as the school may be moving from one scenario to the next throughout the school year.

“We will continue to work with state and local government and health officials to develop plans that keep our students’ safety at the forefront of what we do,” said School Leader Dan McMinn. “Being a blended learning environment already allows us to keep class size small, maintain social distancing and allow quick transitions between scenarios from in-person to online with little loss of learning opportunity for students.”

The first scenario, which would be in effect if the region is set at a Phase 4 or above, maintains NexTech’s normal blended learning model with separate morning and afternoon sessions, with additional learning occurring online. Procedures for social distancing and PPE will follow the State of Michigan’s required protocols. Students will be on campus for four hours per day, four days per week as a part of the blended model. Increased social-emotional supports will also be provided to support students with external stressors and prepare them for any necessary scenario transitions.

The second scenario is selected remote learning, which is available for all students with a signed and approved Ed Development Plan. Families who have requested to maintain a virtual learning environment will have the option to keep students at home and maintain all coursework online. Students will work virtually, participating in scheduled classes through remote options. Students may switch between scenarios one and two at any time throughout the year.

“Because we always have online components to our blended learning, we’re not scrambling to figure this out,” explained McMinn. “Our students, families and teachers know how to create meaningful online experiences. When we’re able, we’ll supplement those with face-to-face instruction in a socially distanced, safe environment, but our experiences in March really demonstrated how seamless the transition from blended to remote is, and what a difference remote learning experience makes for the students.”

The third scenario details the plan for if the region moves to a Phase 3 or below. As mandated by the State of Michigan, all schools in a Phase 3 or lower region must maintain a fully remote environment and thus, NexTech Grand Rapids’ third scenario is fully remote learning. Students and staff will work from home with live instruction to support students and provide interactive, quality online courses. Students will have options for remote one-on-one supports in addition to regular class interaction.

“Through all our scenarios, we’ll continue to fulfill our mission to provide a personalized and transformational high school experience,” said McMinn. “Our goal is to prepare each student academically and emotionally for success in college, work and life. And we know right now students are learning really hard lessons in life. Because the ‘new normal’ is really our normal, our focus is on providing coping and academic supports, but also providing stability and quality when it comes to remote learning.”

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NexTech High School is a public charter school serving students in Grand Rapids and Lansing. NexTech encourages students to own their future by offering blended learning customized to each student’s individual, personalized learning needs, whether on-campus or studying online. For more information, visit  nextechhigh.org.