Alternative Methods of Instruction AMI Plan
In the 2020-2021 school year, DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) began allowing school districts to implement Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) Plans on days that school is not able to be in session due to inclement weather. In the past, when the weather made it too dangerous for travel, the district cancelled school, and added the day to the end of the school year. Now, when the district implements their AMI Plan, distance learning occurs from home, and the school hours lost previously due to closure do not have to be made up.
As the possibility of winter weather looms for the next few months, we would like to take the opportunity to provide you with additional information on the Raytown Quality Schools Alternative Method of Instruction (AMI) Plan. Raytown Quality Schools may close schools when weather creates unsafe travel conditions for students, staff, parents, and guardians. When a decision is made to close school it could be a traditional “snow day” or an AMI day. If the district decides on an AMI day, teachers will create assignments for students to complete at home. These assignments and activities would count toward the total hours of instruction required by the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE) for the school year.
AMI FAQ
What is an Alternative Method of Instruction or AMI?
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) developed AMI as an option for schools to utilize for instruction when students could not be in-person for learning. For example, we may use our AMI plan when we experience inclement weather or high numbers of illness to staff and/or students causing building closures.
In the case of AMI usage for inclement weather, teachers are expected to create assignments for students to complete at home. Therefore, these assignments and activities would count toward the total hours of instruction required by DESE for the school year.
We all know weather in Missouri is unpredictable and AMI takes advanced planning. In the event that we receive a fairly accurate prediction of severe weather, or other emergency that could cause closure, we can prepare and send any necessary materials home with students.
In order to best prepare for the possibility of AMI, we have prepared a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. As you review these documents, please feel free to reach out with any questions. Thank you for your continued support in your student’s education.
How will I be notified that my child’s school will be using AMI?
It is important to note that television news channels will continue to say that school is closed. However, in all other forms of communication, AMI will be noted. These communications may include phone calls, text messages, emails, as well as district website and social media updates. Your child will also be notified prior to leaving school and their teacher will provide them with the materials they will need to complete assignments from home.
How does my child access their learning during AMI?
Grades K-2: If there is a prediction of inclement weather, the district may send home packets for students in preparation for an AMI day. Students may work on these assignments as their schedule permits. Each subject will contain an assignment which should take about 10-15 minutes. Students must complete assignments to receive credit for attendance. Teachers will email office hours to families and may host Zoom or Google Meet discussions, if necessary, to support students.
Preschool families will receive information from their child's teacher. Contact the school with any questions.
Grades 3-5: Teachers will post an announcement in Google Classroom by 9 a.m. on AMI days with the tasks for students to complete for the day. Students may work on these assignments as their schedule permits. Each subject will have 15-20 minutes worth of work, and students should complete assignments to receive credit for attendance. Teachers will email office hours to families and may host Zoom or Google Meet discussions, if necessary, to support students.
Grades 6-8: Teachers will post an announcement in Google Classroom by 9 a.m. on AMI days with the tasks for students to complete for the day. Students may work on these assignments as their schedule permits. Each class will assign 15-20 minutes worth of work, and students should complete assignments to receive credit for attendance. Teachers will email office hours to families and may host Zoom or Google Meet discussions, if necessary, to support students.
Grades 9-12: Teachers will post an announcement in Google Classroom by 9 a.m. on AMI days with the tasks for students to complete for the day. Students may work on these assignments as their schedule permits. Each class will assign 20-30 minutes worth of work, and students should complete assignments to receive credit for attendance. Teachers will email office hours to families and may host Zoom or Google Meet discussions, if necessary, to support students.
My family does not have internet access. What options are available to provide internet access for AMI?
If you indicated that you do not have WiFi access at home and requested a District issued hotspot, these will be sent home with students prior to dismissal if AMI is anticipated.
How do I contact my child’s teacher if my child needs assistance with learning tasks?
Teachers will establish and communicate their office hours for the day either through email (Pre-K-2) or Google Classroom (3-12). Teachers will be available for 60 minutes in the morning AND afternoon to respond to parent/student questions. Teachers may host Zoom or Google Meet discussions, if necessary, to support students. You can also reach teachers via their school email address during regular school hours.
How is student attendance counted for AMI days?
Students will need to submit the assigned tasks for AMI in packets (Pre-K-2) or on Google Classroom (3-12) in order to receive credit for attendance for the AMI day. If they are unable to complete their assignment during an AMI day, they will have a window of opportunity to do so upon returning to campus which will be communicated by their teacher. Time in the classroom to complete the work will be extremely limited and need to be completed at home as time within the classroom cannot be guaranteed. If they do not submit the work, they will be counted absent for the day.
What classes will students be required to submit assignments for?
Grades Pre-K-5: During an AMI day, students will be submitting assignments for reading, writing, word work, math, science or social studies, and their special for that day (art, music or physical education).
Grades 6-12: During an AMI day, students will be submitting assignments for all their classes. Students could have up to 7 class assignments or activities to complete on those days.
What if my child has an issue with their device?
If a student experiences a technical issue while completing school work at home, we ask parents to reach out to the child’s teacher via email. If your child’s teacher can not resolve the issue, the teacher will reach out to our district technology department.
What happens if there is a power outage?
If a student is not able to complete the assigned work on Google Classroom due to situations like power outages or illness, teachers will provide additional time after school has resumed in person. Students will not be penalized for a power outage or illness. If your family has endured this hardship during inclement weather, please communicate with your child's teachers.