THUNDER BAY – High school students attending public board schools will be taught in a hybrid classroom model, starting on Feb. 1.
In a letter to parents sent out on Tuesday, Lakehead Public Schools said the decision means students taking classes online and those in the classroom will be taught by the same classroom teacher.
“For students continuing with in-person instruction, courses will continue to be taught in the same manner, but will now include students joining virtually from home. These students attending virtually will receive the same live instruction in real-time as the in-person students are receiving,” reads the letter.
The model, which the board says has been successfully used in other jurisdictions, keeps at-home learners connected to their home school, rather than a schedule that could involve courses from all three public high schools.
It offers a seamless transition for students who switch to virtual learning because of self-isolation or illness, and the ability to offer a greater variety of courses.
“This is especially important for senior students who may need required courses for post-secondary programs,” the letter reads.
It also allows students to transition from virtual learning to in-class without having to change timetables.
Parents with questions are asked to contact their school principal.
