SDOC to offer Virtual Instruction Options for 2021-2022 School Year
After reviewing student data and community needs, the School District of Oconee County will offer virtual learning opportunities at all levels for the 2021-2022 school year. It is important to note that these options are intended to support families that have determined virtual instruction is the best academic option for their students, not as a means to avoid exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Requirements to participate in virtual learning will be released in the coming weeks. Families will be required to submit an application for each student interested in participating in virtual instruction.
Students in K5 through 8th grade will have the ability to be fully virtual. High school students will have virtual options, but there is not a guarantee that a student will have a fully virtual schedule. It is important to note that students will be required to take all state-mandated tests (SC Ready, MAP, EOC, progress monitoring, etc) as well as final exams, from a school building. There will not be an option for remote testing.
Elementary School – Students will receive a blended model of synchronous and asynchronous instruction through a variety of teaching methods and technology. In early grades (K5 – 3rd), students will be strongly encouraged to attend up to 4 hours of in-person instruction most weeks. Students will receive electives virtually, including classes such as Art, Music, and PE.
Middle School – Students in 6th through 8th grade will receive all core classes (Math, ELA, Science, Social Studies) virtually, with a blended model of synchronous and asynchronous instruction through a variety of teaching methods and technology. There will be some options for virtual electives; however, any student wishing to participate in fine arts (Visual Arts, Strings, Band, and Chorus) will be required to attend those classes in person at their home school.
High School – Students will have the opportunity to enroll in asynchronous, virtual class options through both VirtualSC and VirtualSDOC. VirtualSC is a state-sponsored online program that offers free, rigorous online courses aligned to state standards that are developed and taught by highly qualified, SC licensed teachers, but not necessarily SDOC teachers. Students register for classes through the VirtualSC website, not through the registration process at SDOC high schools. VirtualSDOC classes are for SDOC students and are taught by SDOC teachers using the same curriculum as VirtualSC. Students register for SDOCVirtual classes through the normal high school registration process. Students will not be guaranteed a full virtual schedule; they may take a combination of virtual and face-to-face classes. It is important to note that all fine arts, JROTC, and Hamilton Career and Technology Center classes will only be offered in-person.
*Synchronous learning is interactive, two-way online instruction that happens in real time with a teacher. Asynchronous learning occurs virtually, through prepared resources, without live, teacher-led interaction. K5-8th grade virtual classes will use a blend of both types of instruction.