Beverly Hills Schools Announce 2 Fall Options

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — As school districts everywhere grapple with the best way to return to school in the midst of a worsening pandemic, the Beverly Hills Unified School District has decided to give its students and parents a choice.

After a study session on June 17, the district is offering families two different options: a hybrid of virtual and in-person learning, and a virtual Independent Learning Center originally designed in 2019 for students with non-traditional learning styles. Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy also noted in an email that the current plan is “contingent on direction from the Department of Public Health.”

The hybrid option is the default, and students will be placed into this system if they do not apply to the virtual ILC by July 15. Students will be divided into two different cohorts that will be determined by address. Each cohort will spend a week at school, and a week at home logging into class through iPads or iPhones. This will mean that only half of the school — or less, depending on how many students sign up for the ILC — will be in the building at any given time.

The district said that it is still ironing out details for staggered eating times, enrichments, specialists and elective plans, and more. On its website, the district also noted that communication regarding COVID protection measures like cleaning protocols, PPE, and physical distancing will be communicated in the weeks before school.

In the Independent Learning Center, different teachers guide small groups of students through independent study projects. According to the district’s website, these instructors have the same professional credentials as classroom teachers, and the curricula are aligned to meet state content standards.

“The school recognizes that successful independent study students have the motivation, commitment, organizational skills, and academic skills necessary to work independently,” the program’s description reads. “As necessary, the school assists motivated and committed students in strengthening their organizational and academic skills so they can work independently. Elementary students’ success requires that parents/guardians/caregivers play a significant role as knowledgeable teaching assistants.”

The program description noted that the school will provide support for parents/guardians/caregivers, and will have staff available when they cannot help their children. It also noted that teachers will have regular virtual meetings with students, and that the program receives as much funding as regular classroom instruction.