CVES is committed to ensuring all students have access to devices and high-speed internet both at school and at home. In April 2020, CVES conducted a Technology Access survey to identify students who had any technological barriers. The survey would branch depending on if the barrier was internet access and/or lack of appropriate device. Having one device for an entire family would not be sufficient. CVES will send out a similar survey in September to help identify any technology barriers the students may face.

After collecting the initial survey data, CVES contacted the students’ home schools to see if any devices could be allocated. Many of the home schools already have 1-1 initiatives and quickly supplied devices to the students who had device barriers. CVES did identify several students who could not get a device from a home school and CVES has already procured laptops to be allocated to these students.

Internet Access Barriers

For students who have an internet access barrier, CVES will first discover if there is high-speed access at their residence and if the family/student qualifies for the ISP low cost tier which is based on National School Lunch Program and Community Eligibility Provisions. Where students cannot obtain high-speed internet access, CVES will be offering WIFI signals across its 3 campuses in the parking lots. CVES will also work with its component school districts to make sure all students have access to the WIFI at their home school. CVES also has compiled a list of public WIFI in the local communities and posted to their website. https://www.cves.org/where-to-find-free-wi-fi/

At any point during the school year, divisional procedures will be put into place to address individual student technology barriers as they arise.

Microsoft Teams

Classes will fully be utilizing Microsoft Teams, which complies with the NY Education Law 2-d Part 121. All teachers are expected to have their class online utilizing Microsoft Teams by the end of the first week of school. They will utilize this platform for blended learning to combine online digital media with traditional classroom methods. In the event of a cancellation of in-school class, instruction will continue fully online. All teachers will be provided school issued laptops with webcams to ensure a uniformed classroom experience across CVES.

Prior to the start of the school year, CVES will send information to students/families on how to gain access to Microsoft Teams. Teachers and students will be utilizing Microsoft Teams throughout the school year to reinforce usage of the platform. They will also teach digital citizenship with students using the Common Sense Education Curriculum. In the event that CVES is not able to provide instruction online to a particular student, CVES will make arrangements including, but not limited to, phone meetings and physical learning materials.

Teachers have and will continue to be provided professional development on effective online learning experiences, blended/hybrid learning models, and best practices.

Teachers will continue to utilize the ticketing system in place to notify the Technology Department of teacher or student technology issues. Students and families will work directly with their teacher for direct support. Teachers can submit a ticket to the Technology Department on behalf of the student. CVES will also provide a dedicated web page for students and families to access support and training for various technologies including Microsoft Teams. CVES has also provided a direct email link on its home page for students and families to email the Technology Department.