Frequently Asked Questions

It’s my first time learning online.  What do I need to do? 

Check your personal/guardian email and your child’s school email frequently at the beginning of the school year.  Your child’s counselor and the online program will send frequent updates of communication and action steps needed.  Your child will experience a shortened class schedule to meet the staff and learn about the next steps.  The program media staff will contact you about the availability of student materials and technology devices. 

What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous learning?  

Synchronous learning means scheduled, real-time interactions between teachers and students in order for learning to take place. Students are expected to log in on time, with school materials ready and show an active presence in class using their computer, camera, chat, microphone and shared platforms.  

Asynchronous learning can happen independently, at your own pace, without a set schedule.  Student follows a learning path created by the teacher/course. Students are expected to prioritize their role as a student first, tracking their progress, completing their work, meeting all due dates and deadlines, and asking for help when needed. 

How many hours will be spent in synchronous learning?

A full-time online student will have a maximum of 4 synchronous classes a day. These may all be in the morning or all in the afternoon or a combination of morning or afternoon. When signing up for classes, students can give preference for either AM or PM or mark no preference, in which they may be assigned classes both morning and afternoon.

;How much asynchronous learning is appropriate?

Research on best practices indicates that 3 to 3.5 hours of zoom classes is the maximum for students from 12 to 18 years of age.

What are office hours?

Office hours are a time on asynchronous days when teachers are available to work with students either individually or in small groups. Students can schedule office hours with an individual teacher by making an appointment from Canvas.  Students can also email teachers for a request to meet during Office hours.

What happens on asynchronous learning days?

It is important for students to keep up with the learning even on days when classes are not meeting, also known as asynchronous learning days. Students will access class materials via Canvas. The class materials, including assignments, handouts, assessments, videos, and other curricular materials, are all available via Canvas with posted due dates. Online learners will access Canvas every day to engage in their learning.

What will the schedule look like?

Take a look at our Schedule page for more information.

Can ICCSD Online support 100% asynchronous learners?

In rare cases, students may require maximum flexibility of 100% asynchronous learning. In these cases, which must be approved by the principal, students will enroll in the curriculum by Edgenuity.  The student and families will be responsible for self-management and completion rates if a student is completing 100% asynchronous learning.  The student will be required to check in with a program staff member to complete assessments. 

How do I choose my online classes? 

Our program counselor will contact you about individual course placements and choices if you are a newly enrolled student.  If you are a returning online student, selections for new courses were made in the spring.  The program counselor will contact student(s) and parents about any course conflicts that need to be adjusted for this academic year. 

Will students in ICCSD Online be able to participate in on-site co-curricular activities?

Yes, students can participate in on-site co-curricular activities at their home school. For more information, visit Athletics and Extracurriculars.

What will the classes in ICCSD Online look like?

What separates ICCSD online from other online programs is the quality of our online classes. Students in our program will attend online zoom classes 3 times/week. During the class, teachers will interact live with students and answer questions, present information, model skills and clarify expectations.

In addition, students will complete independent assignments, activities and/or assessments posted on the course Canvas pages.  The classes are instructionally planned, taught and graded by ICCSD Online program teachers.

Can online students take classes from an on-site building? 

It is possible for an online student to take a class from an ICCSD on-site building if the class is not offered by the online program and/or the class is best suited to be delivered in an onsite, hands-on environment, such as an AP course, ceramics or performance music. 

How many classes a week will a student be responsible for attending?

A high school student will take 6 classes during a grading period to stay on track with graduation requirements. Synchronous classes meet 3/week with an ICCSD teacher.  Students are expected to show active participation in these classes.  

How will non-native English speakers be supported in ICCSD Online?

ICCSD Online will provide ELL students with an ELL teacher and appropriate ELL support. The English Language Learner Program offers high-quality English language instruction and support for ELLs to meet academic standards through a curriculum aligned to IA Core and English Language Proficiency Standards in all subject areas.

Students who are not yet proficient in the English language are assessed according to state/federal guidelines and placed in language development courses as part of their general education program. Courses are offered for beginning, intermediate, and advanced English learners and provide explicit instruction in all of the language domains (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) with an emphasis on developing academic language proficiency. Sheltered content courses for ELLs provide support in learning core subject matter while promoting language development.

How will structurally disadvantaged students be supported in the ICCSD Online?

ICCSD is committed to providing an engaging learning experience for all students and ensuring that all students are supported in their learning. We are also aware that institutional racism exists in all educational organizations and are committed to absolving any racism in our own district. For any student who has been victimized by such racism, we have a number of supports available for students in the online program.

How will we meet the technology needs of students in the ICCSD Online?

In and out of district students will be provided with a Chromebook and access to all necessary online subscriptions to complete their coursework.

My child has an IEP. How will they be supported in ICCSD Online?

Students with IEPs will have a case manager teacher and access to all the requirements of their individualized education plan. A student's IEP team will meet and determine how they will access a Free and Appropriate Public Education.

We don’t have a fast internet connection. Can we still take part in ICCSD Online?
Students who reside within the ICCSD are available to receive internet access through the District.

What will be the expectations for online learners?

• Attend all scheduled class meeting times via Zoom and engage with your teacher and classmates as we study the curriculum. Use your preferred name during Zoom meetings.
• Ask questions and use your voice during Zoom meetings.
• On asynchronous days, log in to the Canvas course web page every day and allot roughly 40 minutes of time to engage with the material and complete the required learning tasks.
• All materials can be accessed through the Canvas course page. If, for some reason, you cannot access a document, please let the instructor know right away.

Grading

• Student grades will be determined based upon Performance Assessments and Daily Work. The goal of daily work is to monitor student learning to provide ongoing feedback that can be used by both students and the teacher to improve learning. The goal of performance assessments is to evaluate student learning by comparing it against a specific standard or benchmark.
• Summative assessments will be used to more accurately reflect what students know and can do. Summative assessments will be weighted 85% of the student grade while formative assessments will be weighted 15%. This results in the grade emphasizing skill mastery.
• A student who achieves below 75% (level of proficiency) will be allowed to retake any summative assessments. If the student elects to do so, the highest score that a student can achieve on the retake is 80%.

General Online Zoom Expectations

• Cameras on
• Two-way engagement
• Use of appropriate language and student dress
• Take classes from an isolated setting and mute the microphone when not speaking.

Expectations for Asynchronous learning days

• Log into Canvas every day and allot 40 minutes for each class engaging with the material and completing the required learning tasks.

See also our PBIS Expectations for more details.  

How can I take care of my district issued chromebook so that it functions at its best? 

• Charge the chromebook regularly
  • Allow the battery to exhaust itself to support longer functional battery life.  
• Perform a regular shut down and restart of the device; could be daily or weekly.  
  • Allows the system to complete the full updates as they are pushed out.  
• Close your apps and browser each day before shutting down the Chromebook or closing the screen.  
  • Allows device to download/open at a faster pace during the next login session
• Clear the cache and cookies stored from the browser
  • Allows device to download/work at a faster pace
• Check for the most updated Chrome OS version
  • Allows device to download/work at a faster pace

What will be the expectations for parents of students in the ICCSD Online?

• Maintain accurate contact information throughout the school year. 
• Check your personal email for school communications.  Regular communications will come from the staff and principal containing academic updates and important program events and for families. Communications may come as a broadly sent message, newsletters, personal email, phone or certified mail.  
• Set up an appropriate virtual learning space in your home, free or limited from other distractions or interruptions.  Limit cell phone or electronic gaming usage during the school day. Limit excursions or errands during the school day. 
• Reinforce and support the classroom schedule; set timers or alarms if needed to help students remember when to return to Zoom.  Schedule appointments or family activities outside of any scheduled synchronous instruction. 
• Communicate regularly with your child’s teacher about progress, questions or areas of concern.
• Promote student engagement during synchronous and asynchronous learning 

It’s my first time learning online.  What do I need to do? 

Check your personal/guardian email and your child’s school email frequently at the beginning of the school year.  Your child’s counselor and the online program will send frequent updates of communication and action steps needed.  Your child will experience a shortened class schedule to meet the staff and learn about the next steps.  The program media staff will contact you about the availability of student materials and technology devices. 

What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous learning?  

Synchronous learning means scheduled, real-time interactions between teachers and students in order for learning to take place. Students are expected to log in on time, with school materials ready and show an active presence in class using their computer, camera, chat, microphone and shared platforms.  

Asynchronous learning can happen independently, at your own pace, without a set schedule.  Student follows a learning path created by the teacher/course. Students are expected to prioritize their role as a student first, tracking their progress, completing their work, meeting all due dates and deadlines, and asking for help when needed. 

How many hours will be spent in synchronous learning?

A full-time online student will have a maximum of 4 synchronous classes a day. These may all be in the morning or all in the afternoon or a combination of morning or afternoon. When signing up for classes, students can give preference for either AM or PM or mark no preference, in which they may be assigned classes both morning and afternoon.

;How much asynchronous learning is appropriate?

Research on best practices indicates that 3 to 3.5 hours of zoom classes is the maximum for students from 12 to 18 years of age.

What are office hours?

Office hours are a time on asynchronous days when teachers are available to work with students either individually or in small groups. Students can schedule office hours with an individual teacher by making an appointment from Canvas.  Students can also email teachers for a request to meet during Office hours.

What happens on asynchronous learning days?

It is important for students to keep up with the learning even on days when classes are not meeting, also known as asynchronous learning days. Students will access class materials via Canvas. The class materials, including assignments, handouts, assessments, videos, and other curricular materials, are all available via Canvas with posted due dates. Online learners will access Canvas every day to engage in their learning.

What will the schedule look like?

Take a look at our Schedule page for more information.

Can ICCSD Online support 100% asynchronous learners?

In rare cases, students may require maximum flexibility of 100% asynchronous learning. In these cases, which must be approved by the principal, students will enroll in the curriculum by Edgenuity.  The student and families will be responsible for self-management and completion rates if a student is completing 100% asynchronous learning.  The student will be required to check in with a program staff member to complete assessments. 

How do I choose my online classes? 

Our program counselor will contact you about individual course placements and choices if you are a newly enrolled student.  If you are a returning online student, selections for new courses were made in the spring.  The program counselor will contact student(s) and parents about any course conflicts that need to be adjusted for this academic year. 

Will students in ICCSD Online be able to participate in on-site co-curricular activities?

Yes, students can participate in on-site co-curricular activities at their home school. For more information, visit Athletics and Extracurriculars.

What will the classes in ICCSD Online look like?

What separates ICCSD online from other online programs is the quality of our online classes. Students in our high school program will attend online zoom classes 3 times/week. During the class, teachers will interact live with students and answer questions, present information, model skills and clarify expectations.

In addition, students will complete independent assignments, activities and/or assessments posted on the course Canvas pages.  The classes are instructionally planned, taught and graded by ICCSD Online program teachers.

Can online students take classes from an on-site building? 

It is possible for an online student to take a class from an ICCSD on-site building if the class is not offered by the online program and/or the class is best suited to be delivered in an onsite, hands-on environment, such as an AP course, ceramics or performance music. 

How does PE & Health work online?

Students in ICCSD Online must still meet the graduation requirements for PE and Health.  Students will be enrolled in online fitness classes which focus on the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems and functions, nutrition education and stress management.   Students will also submit fitness activity logs based on units of study during the course. Health is a trimester length elective course. 

How many classes a week will a student be responsible for attending?

A high school student will take 6 classes during a grading period to stay on track with graduation requirements. Synchronous classes meet 3/week with an ICCSD teacher.  Students are expected to show active participation in these classes.  

How will non-native English speakers be supported in ICCSD Online?

ICCSD Online will provide ELL students with an ELL teacher and appropriate ELL support. The English Language Learner Program offers high-quality English language instruction and support for ELLs to meet academic standards through a curriculum aligned to IA Core and English Language Proficiency Standards in all subject areas.

Students who are not yet proficient in the English language are assessed according to state/federal guidelines and placed in language development courses as part of their general education program. Courses are offered for beginning, intermediate, and advanced English learners and provide explicit instruction in all of the language domains (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) with an emphasis on developing academic language proficiency. Sheltered content courses for ELLs provide support in learning core subject matter while promoting language development.

How will structurally disadvantaged students be supported in the ICCSD Online?

ICCSD is committed to providing an engaging learning experience for all students and ensuring that all students are supported in their learning. We are also aware that institutional racism exists in all educational organizations and are committed to absolving any racism in our own district. For any student who has been victimized by such racism, we have a number of supports available for students in the online program.

How will we meet the technology needs of students in the ICCSD Online?

In and out of district students will be provided with a Chromebook and access to all necessary online subscriptions to complete their coursework.

My child has an IEP. How will they be supported in ICCSD Online?

Students with IEPs will have a case manager teacher and access to all the requirements of their individualized education plan. A student's IEP team will meet and determine how they will access a Free and Appropriate Public Education.

We don’t have a fast internet connection. Can we still take part in ICCSD Online?
Students who reside within the ICCSD are available to receive internet access through the District.

What will be the expectations for online learners?

• Attend all scheduled class meeting times via Zoom and engage with your teacher and classmates as we study the curriculum. Use your preferred name during Zoom meetings.
• Ask questions and use your voice during Zoom meetings.
• On asynchronous days, log in to the Canvas course web page every day and allot roughly 40 minutes of time to engage with the material and complete the required learning tasks.
• All materials can be accessed through the Canvas course page. If, for some reason, you cannot access a document, please let the instructor know right away.

Grading

• Student grades will be determined based upon Performance Assessments and Daily Work. The goal of daily work is to monitor student learning to provide ongoing feedback that can be used by both students and the teacher to improve learning. The goal of performance assessments is to evaluate student learning by comparing it against a specific standard or benchmark.
• Summative assessments will be used to more accurately reflect what students know and can do. Summative assessments will be weighted 85% of the student grade while formative assessments will be weighted 15%. This results in the grade emphasizing skill mastery.
• A student who achieves below 75% (level of proficiency) will be allowed to retake any summative assessments. If the student elects to do so, the highest score that a student can achieve on the retake is 80%.

General Online Zoom Expectations

• Cameras on
• Two-way engagement
• Use of appropriate language and student dress
• Take classes from an isolated setting and mute the microphone when not speaking.

Expectations for Asynchronous learning days

• Log into Canvas every day and allot 40 minutes for each class engaging with the material and completing the required learning tasks.

See also our PBIS Expectations for more details.  

How can I take care of my district issued chromebook so that it functions at its best? 

• Charge the chromebook regularly
  • Allow the battery to exhaust itself to support longer functional battery life.  
• Perform a regular shut down and restart of the device; could be daily or weekly.  
  • Allows the system to complete the full updates as they are pushed out.  
• Close your apps and browser each day before shutting down the Chromebook or closing the screen.  
  • Allows device to download/open at a faster pace during the next login session
• Clear the cache and cookies stored from the browser
  • Allows device to download/work at a faster pace
• Check for the most updated Chrome OS version
  • Allows device to download/work at a faster pace

What will be the expectations for parents of students in the ICCSD Online?

• Maintain accurate contact information throughout the school year. 
• Check your personal email for school communications.  Regular communications will come from the staff and principal containing academic updates and important program events and for families. Communications may come as a broadly sent message, newsletters, personal email, phone or certified mail.  
• Set up an appropriate virtual learning space in your home, free or limited from other distractions or interruptions.  Limit cell phone or electronic gaming usage during the school day. Limit excursions or errands during the school day. 
• Reinforce and support the classroom schedule; set timers or alarms if needed to help students remember when to return to Zoom.  Schedule appointments or family activities outside of any scheduled synchronous instruction. 
• Communicate regularly with your child’s teacher about progress, questions or areas of concern.
• Promote student engagement during synchronous and asynchronous learning