LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) launches its first Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) plan for students on Tuesday, April 7. This will allow students to continue learning while schools are closed.
With remote learning, students will be able to access and complete schoolwork either online or with hard copies. Families will get to choose the method that works best for them. JCPS has a limited number of Chromebooks available for students who do not have access to a computer and want to complete lessons online.
“Non-Traditional Instruction is a completely new way for our students to continue learning during this unprecedented shutdown,” Dr. Marty Pollio, JCPS superintendent, said. "While we know this is a new and unfamiliar strategy, we are committed to doing everything we can to make the transition to remote learning as smooth as possible for our students and families.”
Students can find their lessons, activities, and teachers at the JCPS NTI homepage. The page also has videos and FAQs to help parents and guardians.
JCPS has 25,000 Chromebook computers and will hand them out to families that need them next week. Students that are on free or reduced lunch, have special needs, are homeless, or are English Language Learners, will receive priority. These families will receive an email with directions for asking for a device. There is only one device per family and will need to be returned when school resumes. Any computers left after the initial disbursement will be made available to everyone using a lottery system.
Hard copies of lesson plans in multiple languages will be available at the Emergency Food Sites for students who would rather have paper copies of assignments. The food sites are open from 10 am until 1 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Children can receive up to four meals (two breakfasts and two lunches) on Mondays and Wednesdays. They can get one breakfast and lunch on Fridays.
Here are some other details of the JCPS NTI plan:
- NTI days will count as regular school days, and will not need to be made up at the end of the year.
- Students will be required to check in each day with their teachers, who will determine the best way to connect with their students and will communicate the plan to them.
- Unlike the supplemental educational activities that students have been doing over the past two weeks, student NTI work is required and will be graded.
For families that need assistance getting internet access, Spectrum is offering free Wi-Fi for 60 days and other providers are offering discounted rates.
The NTI program remains in place as long as schools are closed. In-school classes are currently scheduled to resume on Monday, April 20.