231: At Home Learning
Responsible Administrator: Superintendent
PURPOSE
The Division will provide at-home learning for students when circumstances necessitate such action. At-home learning is a temporary measure, directed by the Superintendent and is not intended to replace or serve as a permanent alternative to in-person learning.
DEFINITION
At-home learning means teacher-directed education programming provided by a Board to a student on a temporary basis at the student's residence or at a location other than the student's regularly attended school.
PROCEDURE
1. The Superintendent will strictly limit the at-home learning option for students. This limitation ensures alignment with the Division's Emergency Preparedness and Health Response procedures, including Administrative Procedure 305: Emergency Preparedness Response Plan and Administrative Procedure 306: Emergency Health Issues Response.
1.1 Factors considered when determining whether at-home learning is required include the safety of school facilities, safety of students, directives from public health or emergency authorities, equitable access to learning for all students and the availability of necessary technology and programming.
2. The Superintendent will ensure an in-person learning option is available for all students in grades 1-12 if temporary shifts to at-home learning within the Division occur. Where a student's regular school facility is unavailable, the Division will explore options such as other Division schools or approved community facilities to ensure continued in-person learning opportunities.
2.1 Exemptions to this requirement may occur for a period of up to three days through a notification to the Minister of Education and Childcare by the Superintendent.
2.2 An exemption for a period longer than three days may occur on a request to the Minister by the Superintendent and a subsequent Ministerial Order.
3. The Superintendent will make reasonable efforts to enable each student to continue with the same courses and education program that the student is enrolled in as of the date at-home learning begins. At-home learning will ensure students receive the required hours of instruction, have attendance monitored and are supported in participating in provincial assessments, with appropriate supervision and evaluation of student progress. The Division will also make reasonable efforts to support students who may face barriers to at-home learning, including access to technology, language supports and specialized programming.
References:
Policy 17: Inclement Weather
Admin Procedure: 245 Health and Safety
Admin Procedure: 255 Inclement Weather and Outdoor Air Quality Decisions for Schools
Admin Procedure: 305 Emergency Preparedness Response Plan
Admin Procedure: 306 Emergency Health Issues Response
Hour Zero Crisis Consulting Ltd.
Education Act: Sections 3, 3.1, 11, 33, 52, 53, 196, 197, 222
Emergency Management Act
Emergency Medical Aid Act
Access to Information Act (ATIA)
Health Information Act
Occupational Health and Safety Act
Public Health Act
Communicable Disease Regulation (AR 238/85)
In-Person Learning Regulation (AR 13/2025)
Alberta Fire Code
History
2025 Aug 27 Initial Approval
Administrative Procedures II. School Board Governance and Operations