e-Learning

November 2021: For students who are in in-person learning or hybrid learning during 2020-21 school year, if there is an inclement weather day it will be a distance learning day.

Eden Prairie Schools has adopted a grade 7 through 12 e-Learning Plan. The 2017 Legislature amended the Length of School Year; Hours of Instruction (Minn. Stat. § 120A.41) to include the option of a school district using e-Learning days due to inclement weather. Eden Prairie Schools e-Learning plan allows schools to minimize the impact of loss of learning for our secondary students when inclement weather leads to school closures. According to Statue, schools can use up to five e-learning days in one school year. The full plan includes frequently asked questions.

Eden Prairie Schools E-Learning Plan

The mission of Eden Prairie Schools (EPS) is to Inspire Students to learn continuously, so they are empowered to reach personal fulfillment and contribute purposefully to our ever changing world. EPS has a longstanding tradition of innovative practices, which includes Personalized Learning. The EPS e-Learning plan was developed to harness the tenets of our mission, our commitment to innovation and Personalized Learning. In addition, our plan aligns with processes already used in school districts in Minnesota, and adheres to Minnesota Statute 120A.414.

E-Learning Days vs. On-Line Learning

Eden Prairie Schools currently offers several on-line courses through Eden Prairie High School using an On-Line Learning format. Unlike our on-line learning option, e-Learning days may only be used for instances where inclement weather prevents students from attending school on-campus; may be counted as an instructional day, included as hours of instruction, and for up to a maximum of 5 days in one school year. (Minnesota Department of Education memo, March 2018).

Technology Devices and Internet Access

Student - Teacher Interaction

During an e-Learning Day, 7-12 teachers will provide electronic academic learning experiences via our Schoology Learning Management system.

Teachers will be available by email, phone or Schoology during inclement weather school hours, which are outlined below. Teachers using a phone number will post it in Schoology. Students or parents may also leave a phone message, and teachers will provide prompt responses to questions. Teachers will provide information about assignment due dates.

- Lessons will be available by 9:30 a.m.

- Teachers will be available from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

E-Learning Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How will families be notified of an e-Learning day?
A. The first day of school closure due to inclement weather WILL NOT be an e-Learning day. Each subsequent day of school closure due to inclement weather, and up to five days will be an e-Learning day.

District families will be notified of any emergency school closures or e-Learning days through the emergency phone system and district email. If you don’t see or hear any announcement, assume that school is in session.

Q. Will attendance be monitored on e-learning days?
A. Yes, per the Minnesota Department of Education, teachers must take attendance to ensure each student is present. Teachers will submit attendance via our student information system.

Q. Supporting students serviced with an Individualized Education Program:
A. During an e-Learning Day, 7-12 teachers will provide electronic academic learning experiences via our Schoology Learning Management system. When necessary, special education teachers will work with classroom teachers to modify lessons to support student learning needs.

Q. Supporting the needs of English Learners:
A. During an e-Learning Day, 7-12 teachers will provide electronic academic learning experiences via our Schoology Learning Management system. Eden Prairie Schools employs cultural liaisons to support home-school communication. In addition, teachers have access to the language line for interpreting support.

Q. May families choose to opt out of e-Learning days?
Students whose family chooses to not participate in the e-Learning day are reported as absent. It is up to the school whether to consider this as an excused absence, according to Minnesota Statutes, section 120A.22, subdivision 12.