K-12 Asynchronous Learning

The K-12 Asynchronous Instruction option will be overseen by a Mt. Lebanon School District educator. Shira Akamatsu is an elementary school counselor at Jefferson Elementary and also serves as the Asynchronous Liaison.

Pennsylvania certified teachers managed by Waterfront Learning (elementary) or the content providers (secondary) will serve as educators for MTLSD students. Since the learning is asynchronous and self directed, the teachers’ role is to assess work, provide feedback, monitor course progress, and offer live, on-demand support for students.

Elementary students will follow a grade-level curriculum that includes encore options and specific courses for students identified as gifted. Courses include Math, English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science. It also includes certain encore subjects (art, music, physical education, Spanish in grades 4 and 5).  The content provider is Pearson Connexus.  Elementary students are provided hard copy resources directly from Pearson in addition to using the online platform. Students who wish to take an instrumental music course may do so in person or via remote. 

Secondary students will select seven courses to study from the asynchronous catalog from Edgenuity.  Counselors will assist in aligning courses on requested schedules to asynchronous options. In cases where there is no corresponding Edgenuity course for a MTLSD course, the student can select a different Edgenuity option or elect to take their original selection in person, for up to two courses.

The courses are aligned to  Pennsylvania Department of Education standards.

Asynchronous Learning offers flexibility with self-pacing for students and is delivered using various online tools and platforms. Students are able to work on each subject at the time of day and pace that works best for their learning.  There are specific thresholds that will be monitored for how far behind or far ahead a student gets with their work. This is to ensure that students are actively engaging in their work and are not completing the work at such a pace where they would have weeks without materials. Work progress is monitored by the assigned teacher(s) and shared with the Asynchronous Liaison, who will follow with families and MTLSD staff as necessary.

The District will loan a Chromebook to any Asynchronous Learning student who needs a device to use.  Secondary students should follow their home school distribution process. Elementary students will receive a form from the Asynchronous Liaison if they are in need of a District issued Chromebook.

Yes, students enrolled in the K-12 Asynchronous Program can take up to two courses per semester at their neighborhood school.

Yes, students enrolled in the K-12 Asynchronous Instruction can participate in after-school activities, programs, and athletics.

Yes, courses taken through the K-12 Asynchronous Instruction option will apply to a Mt. Lebanon diploma. 

Because the work is self-paced and can be done according to the student and family schedule, attendance is not taken on a daily basis. Student progress is reviewed weekly for pacing, completion and achievement.  If concerns arise the Liaison, Waterfront Learning, and family will create a plan to support the student.

We expect that some families may wish to move between Asynchronous and In-Person learning. These changes will best occur at the nine-week quarter breaks. The District will provide notification prior to each quarter change to allow for these changes.  If you wish to change options at these times, please use the form provided by the District according to the timeline below. 

The Asynchronous Liaison will work with the school counselor and building administration to facilitate a return to the school building. This includes preparing the elementary classroom assignment and recreating the secondary student schedule.  Students and families will be included in the process, especially in cases where there was not a complete course alignment.  Students in the Asynchronous Learning option may not be working with exactly the same materials as their peers in the in-person instruction model; however, the courses align in terms of grade level standards that are being taught in each course. The Asynchronous Liaison will share the work that students accomplished in their Asynchronous Learning courses with their in-person teachers when they switch modes when they return to their home school.