Reopening Xaverian 2020-2021

Academic Expectations

In order for any of the three instructional models to realize their full potential, it is incumbent upon all of us to fully satisfy our individual responsibilities to ensure that the Xaverian community continues to thrive.


The expectations that follow must be satisfied to position us for success during the 2020-2021 school year. They are geared toward two overarching goals:

  1. Providing our students with the best possible educational experience, regardless of the instructional model presently being employed
  2. Maintaining the health and safety of each member of the Xaverian community



List of 2 items.

  • Student-Specific Academic Expectations and Responsibilities


    Expectations Regardless of Remote or In-Person


    • Whether remote or in person, all students are expected to attend their regularly scheduled classes and comply with all expectations outlined in the 2020-2021 Parent and Student Handbook, unless otherwise noted in the reopening plan or by a school administrator.
    • All students are expected to satisfy the educational expectations outlined by their specific teachers. These expectations are found in course syllabi and are communicated by individual teachers.
    • All students will actively engage with important information they receive each day, including:
    1. Reading / listening to the morning and afternoon announcements
    2. Checking their email regularly
    3. Reviewing information posted to Google Classroom

    In-Person Expectations
     

    • When on campus, all students must comply with all health and safety regulations pertaining to COVID-19. These expectations are including in the health and safety web page and will be fully described to students once they return to campus.

    Remote Expectations

    • All students are expected to attend their entire class meeting, seated in an appropriate work area for the day, and dressed according to the policies outlined in the Parent and Student Handbook.
    • Students will follow their regularly scheduled classes, utilizing the class meeting links posted by the teacher and in accordance with the academic day schedule described above.
    • Students must have their laptop camera on throughout their class; if a student’s camera is not working, a parent must email the appropriate teachers.
    • No class material will be recorded without the explicit permission of the teacher.
    • Students will be engaged and ready to participate, using the chat feature and/or the microphone on their device (laptop, tablet, computer, etc.), at the direction of the teacher.
  • Teacher-Specific Academic Expectations and Responsibilities


    Ordinarily in a classroom setting, students and parents know what to expect from the teaching faculty. Lessons will be well planned, assessments will be routine, previously explored concepts will be reinforced, and new curriculum will be explored. Rest assured that these endeavours will continue, regardless of which teaching model (hybrid, remote, or fully in-person) is being utilized. 

    However, given the unique circumstances we presently find ourselves in, there are additional expectations and responsibilities to which teachers will have to attend. To help everyone understand what to expect, those expectations and responsibilities are: 

    Daily Expectations and Responsibilities

    • Teachers will honor their typical responsibilities with regard to planning, assessment, instruction, pedagogic approach, and supervision, in light of the instructional model being utilized.
    • Teachers will be expected to start all instruction (their in-person class and their remote class) at the beginning of each of their instructional periods and in accordance with the academic day schedule previously discussed.
    • Teachers will take and record attendance for all students at the start of each instructional period. Students presently at Xaverian will have assigned seating; this is essential should the need for contact tracing emerge.
    • Teachers will reserve a portion of the class for independent work to be done during class time, in an effort to provide individualized instruction and mitigate time on screen outside of the school day. 

    Weekly Expectations and Responsibilities

    • Teachers will give students advance notice of assignments and assessments to the greatest extent possible.
    • Teachers will develop an efficient and effective communication plan for their classes that specifies at the start of each week what assignments and assessments will be forthcoming.
    1. This approach allows students to plan, budget, and balance their workload during the week.
    2. Any updates or modifications to the weekly instructional plan should be explained to the students during class time.
    3. Teachers will plan the week’s assignments to minimize the daily time-on-screen demands beyond class. Examples of this could include giving time for students to start independent work during the class period or assigning asynchronous work far enough in advance to allow students the flexibility to budget their time.
    Expectations and Responsibilities - Throughout the School Year

    1. Teachers are expected to start a live class at the beginning of each of their instructional periods and follow the “10/10 Rule.” The “10/10 Rule” means: Teachers will engage their entire class (whether academically or socially) for a minimum of 10 minutes at the beginning of each period.
    2. Teachers will reserve a minimum of 10 minutes at the end of each class for student questions (e.g. office hours) or social engagement.
    • Teachers will provide students with instructional support through:
    1. Modified academic centers
    2. School counselors and campus ministers
    3. Built-in office hours where students can access teachers outside normal class time
    4. Access to school library
    • Teachers and their departments will regularly assess their curricular progress, revising as needed to prioritize essential content and concepts in light of student comprehension and understandings.
    • Teachers will review their assessment strategy to mitigate academic integrity issues that may arise as a consequence of remote assessment.
Xaverian is a Catholic, college-preparatory school for boys in grades 7-12. As an inclusive community, we embrace diverse experiences and perspectives, welcoming students and families from all faiths and backgrounds. Through exceptional academics, athletics, the arts, faith formation, and service opportunities, we help young men discover their unique gifts and talents so they can share them with a world in need.