More than 26,000 students attending Midland Independent School District (MISD) began their return to classrooms this week – with a gradual phase-in process that moves students from virtual learning at home to a "blended" learning program.
The school district defines blended instruction as having face-to-face instruction at school while empowering students to learn "both individually and collaboratively through at-home instruction using technologies such as Google Classroom."
The district has previously announced plans to allow a variety of instructional models depending on the spread of COVID-19. Reduced spread of the disease in the community served by Midland ISD has moved the district to start the transition to blended models of instruction.
Phase 1 began on Monday, Aug. 31, with students in pre-K and self-contained students in all grades, according to their individual education plan (IEP) on campus Monday through Friday.
For Phase 2, which is expected to begin Sept. 8, the following students will be expected to attend classes on campus Monday through Friday: Students in Pre-K, second grade, and all self-contained students based on their IEP. Students in the Midland Alternative Program (MAP, which was previously known as the District Disciplinary Alternative Education Program) are also expected to be on campus.
As part of phase 2, there is a blended instruction model that includes sixth and seventh grade students attending YWLA and San Jacinto Junior High, and seventh grade students at Alamo, Abell, and Goddard Junior High schools.
For Phase 3, starting Sept. 15, students in Pre-K, second grade, all self-contained students based on their IEP, and MAP students will be expected to attend classes on campus Monday through Friday.
The blended instruction model will be in place for all students in grades 3-12.
Students and parents who prefer to continue virtual education can continue to use Midland ISD’s Online Academy, and those who are currently enrolled in the online academy will continue with 100% virtual education.