Students in Fresno’s Central Unified schools should expect online learning to look a lot different than it did in the spring when the coronavirus abruptly forced campuses to close.

The fall semester begins Aug. 12, and teachers are preparing for a new world of distance learning. While teachers may not be excited about only seeing students online, they pledged to make it work.

“More than anything, we want to be in front of our students,” said Judee Martinez, the union president for Central school teachers. “You have our assurance that long-distance teaching, it will, and it must be different.”

Parents can choose from two different distance-learning options — Central Unified Home School, a completely online program, or Central Unified Distance Learning, which will follow a strict schedule and protocols.

All students will automatically be enrolled in the distance learning program unless parents enroll them in home school. The deadline for home school enrollment is Friday.

Fresno’s Central Unified distance learning program

Students in the Central Unified Distance Learning program will have mandatory attendance and daily interactions with their teachers.

The question of engaging students weighed heavily on board members.

“How do we motivate students coming off of last springs experience that what we are doing is absolutely different and improved?,” Trustee Naindeep Singh asked.

Distance learning students will receive a minimum of three hours of instruction daily, which includes a combination of teacher-led lessons and student assignments.

There will be counseling and mental health support available to all students via online, telephone, or onsite appointments.

Central schools will have a checklist of connectivity needs to ensure all students have internet access. Students will be given a device and can check out textbooks and supplies.

To get a better understanding of the resources that students need, Central Unified has sent out a survey. As of Tuesday night, about 3,000 parents had responded, but district officials are urging all parents to participate.

Students can schedule appointments between Aug. 3 and Aug. 14 to pick up devices and textbooks.

Class schedules will be posted online.

After school programs and tutoring details will be provided at a later date.

Students with special needs also will be able to make online, telephone, or onsite appointments for additional services.

New English Learner students will have liaisons, access to migrant services, and academic support.

The free lunch and breakfast program will continue into the fall at most schools. Certain schools will also have food distribution at community bus stops.

Mobile libraries providing textbooks and additional resources will be available at schools, and community bus stops. School transportation will be available for all onsite appointments.

“We want to make sure there is a space for a child to learn when they are at home,” said Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Ketti Davis.

Central schools home school program in Fresno

The home school option will not have a strict schedule, and teacher-student check-in will occur weekly instead of daily.

Should campuses reopen, students enrolled in the home school option will not be required to return to school campuses. However, students in the distance learning program will return to traditional onsite teaching, once schools reopen.

The district wants parents to commit to one program for at least a full semester to avoid educational interruptions.

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