FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions on the CSA Hybrid Learning Plan (HLP)

1. On hybrid learning

Why did the school adopt a hybrid approach for its

learning continuity plan? Is this the same as
homeschooling?
A hybrid approach to teaching and learning is about finding the right mix of all possible
learning possibilities for students (Driesen, 2019). It may be a combination of online and
offline learning and online and in-person instruction (PennState, 2020). The reduction of
in-person seat time in a traditional classroom makes this approach consummate in the
age of the new normal. What is also good about this model is the synergy it affords that
allows for flexibility. This flexibility also makes possible the accommodation of the
different connectivity status of leaners.

With the recent developments and with the responsibility of looking at school
stakeholders’ health and safety, it appears that physically going back to school will
have to take the backseat. Thus, making the hybrid plan the best approach since it
pliably allows reconfiguration to answer the call of times.

Technically, the remote learning setup is not homeschooling. In a homeschooling

program, the parents are trained by the homeschool service provider as teachers and
implementers of the designed curriculum.

2. On parents/guardians role

What is the role of parents/guardians in remote

learning?
CSA teachers will still serve as the instructors of students. The typical role of delivering
instruction, supervision, and assessment will still be theirs. The adult at home can help
assist and supervise the young learner as he works on the learning experience his
teachers prepared. For lower grades, parents or guardians can help monitor the
engagement of the learner on the learning materials and in keeping the schedule given.
For the upper grade students who are starting to imbibe self-direction and self-
management, parents or guardians can provide support by keeping the learners
 focused and away from distractions. What we are implementing is emergency remote
teaching and not homeschooling.

3. On in-person classes

Will in-person (face to face) classes take place anytime

soon?
As long as there is no certainty of a safe return to school, then all classes shall be done
remotely.

4. On off-campus and in-campus activities

Will there be co-curricular and extracurricular activities?

The Student Activity Program (SAP), the Aerospace Cadets of the Philippines (ACP), all
school fairs, the Immersion Program, and the Community Extension Services Program
are temporarily cancelled. Only activities done online are allowed like the formation
activities such as retreats and recollections, the ASEP and the Varsity Programs. This is
in compliance to the DepEd pronouncement on activities involving gatherings.

5. On school calendar

If classes will start on July 27, when will it end? How

about the terms and semesters?
The school calendar will end on March 31, 2021. The academic year will be divided
accordingly:

Grade Level Assessment Period

First Term: July 27-October 2

K-10 Second Term: October 5-December 18

Third Term: January 5-March 12

11-12 First Semester: July 27-October 23

Second Semester: November 4-March 12

Depending on the local and national situations, the period March 15-31, 2021 is
allocated for grades processing and yearend rites preparations.

6. On schedule of classes

What will a typical remote class schedule look like?

The following schedule will be observed by the departments during remote learning:

 a. ECE

All the ECE classes will be assigned an online circle time. A circle time is a fixed time for
social interactions among children, and it is facilitated by their teachers. Circle time
develops positive relationships, respect, and unity among children. It also promotes
engagement, as well as speaking and listening skills. The Circle Time for each class
belonging to the first half of the batch (Batch 1) will take place at 9:00 AM daily for 30
minutes and at 10:00 AM for the classes belonging to the other half of the batch (Batch
2). The children will work on one integrated Learning Playlist per day every week. Each
Learning Playlist may be accomplished any time within the day, for approximately two
hours.

Monday Tuesday Wedneday Thursday Friday

9:00 AM
9:00 AM
9:00 AM
9:00 AM
9:00 AM

Circle Time for Circle Time for Circle Time for Circle Time for Circle Time for
Classes Classes Classes Classes Classes
belonging to belonging to belonging to belonging to belonging to
Batch 1
Batch 1
Batch 1
Batch 1
Batch 1

10:00 AM
10:00 AM
10:00 AM
10:00 AM
10:00 AM

Circle Time for Circle Time for Circle Time for Circle Time for Circle Time for
Subject/Task Classes Classes Classes Classes Classes
belonging to belonging to belonging to belonging to belonging to
Batch 2
Batch 2
Batch 2
Batch 2
Batch 2

2 Hours for 2 Hours for 2 Hours for 2 Hours for 2 Hours for
Learning Learning Learning Learning Learning
Playlist for Playlist for Playlist for Playlist for Playlist for
Integrated Integrated Integrated Integrated Integrated
Subject 1 Subject 2 Subject 3 Subject 4 Subject 5

b. Elementary

All classes in the GS department will be asynchronous. However, the teachers may
schedule synchronous classes for small group consultation periods or follow-up
lessons. While holding mostly asynchronous classes, the department will follow a
weekly schedule to help the grade schoolers observe daily routines. The parents and
their children may follow this set schedule, or do the school work at their own
preferred time. During Homeroom, the advisers will meet the classes via video
conference. Attendance during this session will not be checked and is not compulsory;
the students through their parents or guardians may opt to communicate with the
advisers at another time depending on their availability.

All classes will be able to meet their subjects and teachers semimonthly, every two
consecutive weeks. This is called a cycle. For example, Grades 1, 2, and 3 will be able
to meet all their subjects and teachers on Weeks 1 and 2 (first cycle) and Weeks 3 and 4
(second cycle). All in all, there will be typically two cycles in a month.

Grades 1,2, and 3 will follow almost the same schedule. This holds true for Grades 4, 5,
and 6. Samples of these schedules are shown below:

 c. High School

To ensure that no student will be left behind, the preferred mode of remote teaching is
asynchronous. This approach removes the constraint of time and place in learning. We
recognize that all households, therefore all students, have varying conditions of
connectivity. True to its desire to be inclusive, the methods that will be used by teachers
will be able to efficiently accommodate all kinds of learners based on their status of
connectivity. Generally, online and offline learning packets will be made available
depending on the need of the learners. If the connectivity of students will allow,
synchronous classes may be held. However, this is not the primary mode of learning
delivery.

The department also recognizes the ideal length of engagement time appropriate for a
high school learner, which is 270 minutes per day (UPCED, 2020). All Learning Playlists,
both tasks and outputs, are designed to be accomplishable within the said length of
time.

All high school classes will be able to meet their subjects and teachers semimonthly,
every two consecutive weeks. This is called a cycle. Typically, there will be two cycles in
a month. Every day, students shall be accomplishing a series of tasks based on the
curricular targets through the Learning Playlist and other learning materials that will
either be online or offline depending on the connectivity status of the learner. Every day,
there will be assessments of learning, deliverables, and opportunities to check in with
their advisers, subject teachers, and guidance counselors. Examples of Junior High and
Senior High schedules are shown below:

JHS Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Week 1 CLE English Filipino Mathematics Science Cycle 1

Week 2 Social Studies PEHM TLE/Electives Research/ACF

Week 3 CLE English Filipino Mathematics Science Cycle 2

Week 4 Social Studies PEHM TLE/Electives Research/ACF

Grade 11
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
1st Sem

Week 1 Theology 1 Oral Comm Statistics Specialized PerDev/Intro to Cycle

Philosophy 1

Week 2 PEH 1 UCSAP/ Research 1 Earth Science/ Komunikasyon

Pagsulat Earth and Life

Week 3 Theology 1 Oral Comm Statistics Specialized PerDev/Intro to Cycle

Philosophy 2

Week 4 PEH 1 UCSAP/ Research 1 Earth Science/ Komunikasyon

Pagsulat Earth and Life
 Grade 12
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
1st Sem

Week 1 CPAR/Entrep Specialized 1 Bridge Math/ Specialized 3 PEH 3 Cycle

ICT 1

Week 2 EAPP/Inquiry 21st Century Specialized 2 Theology 3 Capstone

Lit/Media Lit

Week 3 CPAR/Entrep Specialized 1 Bridge Math/ Specialized 3 PEH 3 Cycle

ICT 2

Week 4 EAPP/Inquiry 21st Century Specialized 2 Theology 3 Capstone

Lit/Media Lit

7. On pre-opening activities

What will happen prior to the opening of classes on July

27?
Several online activities are in place prior to the opening of classes on July 27. One of
the most important activities to be done is the conduct of psychosocial support
activities where students will have kumustahan sessions both individually and in small
groups to check on how they are doing and coping during this time of crisis.

In the same week, the class advisers shall be profiling the students in terms of their
connectivity status. The goal is to come up with a database to help us further in the
design of instruction for each class. At the same time, this will be used in the
preparation of offline learning packets.

The orientation by the Rector/DAA, the Principal through the Assistant Principals, the
Student Activity Coordinator, and the Advisers will also take place during the pre-
opening week.

8. On needed devices

What kind of device should we prepare appropriate for

remote learning?
The ideal device for remote learning is a laptop or a desktop. A tablet may also be used.
As long the device that you have has up to date software and processor specifications,
they will suffice.

 You may also consider the following minimum standards:

Desktop Laptop Tablet

Specifications Intel Core i5, equivalent, Intel Core i5, equivalent, or Processor speed of 2.2 GHz
or higher
higher
or higher

Up to date OS Up to date OS Display screen 8-10.5 inches

Up to date OS

Accessories External webcam (use is Internal or external Internal or external webcam

optional)
webcam (use is optional)
(use is optional)

Headset with Computer audio or External keyboard (optional)

microphone/headphone/ headset with microphone/

earphones/earbuds/ headphone/earphones/ Computer audio or headset
earpieces earbuds/earpieces with microphone/
headphone/earphones/
earbuds/earpieces

9. On teacher capacity-building

Are the teachers ready to engage in remote teaching?

Yes, they are. A robust capacity-building program that zeroes in on the role of content
and pedagogy in remote teaching and learning is in place to provide the teachers the
needed training sessions, coaching, mentoring and support.

10. On curriculum

What kind of curriculum will be implemented this

academic year?
The school will implement the enriched curriculum with the Most Essential Learning
Competencies (MLCs) identified by DepEd. This enriched curriculum highlights the
Catholic tradition of the school within the framework of Augustinian Education and
Spirituality. The curriculum is embedded with Formation Standards that pivot on the
school's vision, mission, and core values.

11. On assessment

How are students assessed in the "new normal"?

We follow the DepEd policy on assessment for K-12. As of this writing, we are
anticipating DepEd's new position on the existing assessment policy. Yet, the school is
ready to make its own review of the assessment policy and make it suitable for the
current setup before July 2020.

12. On instruction

How will teachers deliver instruction and how will

students learn their lessons in the new setup?
In CSA Makati, we take pride in the strong pedagogical orientation of teachers. More
than concentrating on which technology to use, teachers have a shared strategic vision
driven by a desire to make learning happen and improve student outcomes. With the
adherence to the nature of HLP which combines the best and useful features of all
available approaches, the teachers teaching and students learning are given the most
effective delivery.

Two possible approaches to be used: synchronous and asynchronous. In synchronous

learning, students engage in the same place and at the same time. Synchronous
sessions may happen in the form of a live session/streaming or web-based classes via
video conferencing. With this kind of delivery, communication happens in real time, and
feedback is instantaneous. On the other hand, it limits the design of instruction in
relation to recognizing the student’s pace (it is largely teacher-focused) and status of
connectivity (it demands high speed internet connection.) Too much focus on
synchronous learning defeats the purpose of making instruction, albeit remote,
inclusive, flexible, and compassionate.

Conversely, an asynchronous approach is not constrained by place and time. Here, the
learner is afforded more time to engage with content at his own pace. This approach
also allows for offline engagement. Both online and offline resources are available; thus,
meeting learners where they are in terms of their status of connectivity. The HLP
ecosystem embeds a learning community that provides all learners an opportunity to
check in with their teachers, advisers, librarians, and guidance counselors. A
consultation time is made available daily. These are reflected in all learning packets,
whether online or offline. Offline learners can capitalize on what we call micro-content
delivery systems to communicate with the adults in the HLP ecosystem using SMS and
common, simple messaging applications such as FB Messenger and Viber.

13. On discipline policy

Will the school's policy on student formation extend to

the online and offline learning environments?
Yes. This is a duty that the school cannot relinquish just because students are not
physically in school. It has always been the direction of our
formation program that in all school activities and learning opportunities, Augustinians
will also be formed in character; as young Catholics servant-leaders.

Schools policies on discipline will still apply even remotely. Now more than ever, the
development of digital citizenship among students will be emphasized.

14. On services in support of learning

Will students still be able to avail of Library and

Guidance Center Services?
Yes. Included in the HLP ecosystem are the Virtual Resources offered by the Library and
the Concierge Services through guidance and counseling. Both the librarians and the
guidance counselors will also be in the learning community and you can always reach
out to them and avail of the services.

15. On offline learning packets

What will happen if students do not have a stable

internet connection or an appropriate device?
Students will still receive all the materials or learning packets that online students will
receive. These include the Learning Playlists and all instructional materials such as
handouts, worksheets, rubric sheets, etc. They will be printed in the school's Media
Hub, processed, and collated and sent to their home addresses. Parents will be
advised to contact the school bus operators. If there are deliverables or outputs that
need to be submitted, the teachers will find the most convenient way to get these from
the students concerned.

All learning packets will be sent to students a week prior to the start of the learning
cycle.

16. On learning management system (LMS)

What is an LMS and what is it for?

An LMS or Learning Management System is a software-based platform that facilitates
the management and delivery of e-learning (Powell, 2020). Think of it as a virtual place
where we can store, track, and access information. It is also a place where people with
access codes can meet, converse, and collaborate. Most of the available LMSs now
have add-on features that make this virtual place more exciting and engaging.

In CSA, our official LMSs are the following:

Name of LMS Users

HELE and TLE classes

TekTeach Grade 1-10

AraLinks All sections

Grades 4-10

Schoology All sections

Grade 11-12

Google Classroom ECE and the official alternative LMS for all
classes

17. On textbooks and other traditional offline learning materials

Do students still need the textbooks?

Yes. The Internet offers a whole gamut of learning resources, and the textbooks will be
our common reference material. The textbook will also be used when the class engages
in offline learning.

18. On gap year

What will happen if a student does not enroll this

academic year?
We sincerely hope to see all our students again this academic year in spite of the
fortuitous events we are facing. When we design our learning environment and prepare
the most fitting solution, we are thinking of all our students and accommodating all of
them. However, the final decision is still with the parents or guardians. If for some
reasons you decide not to enroll this year, then DepEd and school policies dictate that
you will be admitted in the same grade level the next time you enroll (unless while not in
CSA, you enrolled in another school or a DepEd accredited Homeschooling Program).
You will have to go through the admissions process again if you have been inactive.