Graves County Schools has been awarded the opportunity by the Kentucky Department of Education to participate in the Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) Waiver. This means that we will be allowed to deliver content in a digital or hard copy format for student use during a day(s) when school is closed due to unforeseen circumstances (snow, flu, etc). Students will be counted in attendance provided they complete assigned work provided by their teachers. Staff will be available for you or your child to contact via email or phone during an NTI day for assistance or questions.
NTI FAQ
Q: Why is the district implementing the Non-Traditional Instruction plan?
A: It is very difficult to maintain sequential, cohesive instruction when students are out of school in an unplanned manner such as a snow day. Therefore, GCS students will be able to review taught concepts that will (a) keep material fresh in students’ minds and (b) will minimize instructional disruptions. An additional plus is that more continuous learning will allow students to be better prepared for spring testing dates that cannot be changed due to the ineffective make-up days at the end of the school year, even if students miss multiple days of preparation in the winter months.
Q: How many missed days are included in the Non-Traditional Instruction plan?
A: The approval of our NTI plan from the KY Department of Education (KDE) allows for 10 missed days to be counted as instructional days. If we miss more than 10 days due to inclement weather or emergency, it is our hope that students will continue learning every day, regardless of weather or walls; however, we are only able to count 10 of the days as instructional days and therefore, will only require completed work for those designated days.
Q: When will the NTI days start?
A: NTI days can begin December 1, 2015. The Superintendent has the discretion to call an NTI day. The school system being closed when snow is on the ground does NOT automatically mean that a NTI day will be called.
Q: Will the NTI days have to be “made up”?
A: No, unless there is poor student participation during an NTI day. Due to our extensive planning for intentional instruction on NTI days and KDE’s subsequent approval of our plan, we will not add days on to the school calendar to “make up” the NTI days unless KDE does not approve a day due to lack of participation.
Q: My child does not have access to a computer and/or the Internet. How will he/she do the work?
A: Each school will make accommodations for students who do not have access to technology.
Q: When are assignments due to be returned?
A: Work should be submitted as it is completed.
Q: How long should it take for my child to complete the NTI assignments?
A: Each student will work at his/her own pace so the time required to complete the work will vary depending on the child; however, students are not expected to do school work for the entire day.
Q: Am I expected to teach my child new content while he/she is working on NTI assignments?
A: No. The NTI instructional materials are designed to review and reinforce previously-taught concepts and not represent new teaching components. However, if a student wishes to do additional work, we will gladly support those efforts!
Q: What if my child has questions about the NTI work assignments or trouble while he/she is completing the work?
A: Classroom teachers will be available to students to assist them on NTI days. Your child’s teacher will notify you about how he/she plans to communicate with students to answer questions about student assignments on these days. This may include email or other electronic means or by phone.
NTID Logo by Marion County Public Schools