October 31, 2023, Community Update: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Virtual Learning and Asynchronous Instruction Days
On Oct. 30, Team BCPS staff and families received information regarding adjustments to the 2023-2024 school year calendar. We have received questions from members of the community regarding our plan for Dec. 22 and May 17 and the following FAQs provide important information and context about BCPS’ use of virtual and asynchronous learning days for students.
We also want to share recent data on attendance rates for the day before winter break to provide helpful context on the decision to make Dec. 22, which was already scheduled to be an early release day, an asynchronous learning day.
| School Year |
Attendance rate |
# of absent students |
| December 21, 2021 |
64.3% |
39,670 students |
| December 22, 2022 |
67.3% |
36,651 students |
What does MSDE require for virtual learning?
MSDE permits local school systems to use a total of eight days (including 3 asynchronous days) as virtual school days for inclement weather, staff professional learning days, or high school graduation days to enable teachers to assist with or attend the graduation. As in years past, local school systems can determine when the virtual school days are utilized.
For the 2023-2024 school year, local school systems were required to submit a “Virtual Day Instruction Plan” with MSDE that describes how instruction will be provided. BCPS filed its Virtual Day Instruction Plan in July; the plan was presented to the Board of Education at the Board’s July 11, 2023, meeting. The plan and approval are posted on the BCPS website.
Are there any guidelines for asynchronous days? What if students are unable to access the materials?
Yes, MSDE provides specific guidelines regarding asynchronous days. Specific expectations include:
- No more than 8 virtual days; with a maximum of 3 asynchronous days.
- Attendance will be taken for all students and teachers during the virtual day, including asynchronous days.
- Virtual/asynchronous days will not negatively impact student grades. Opportunities to make up work missed outside of virtual learning must be provided.
Does asynchronous learning always take place on a virtual learning day?
No. Virtual learning can be synchronous or asynchronous. When instruction is provided asynchronously, the school system can accomplish two goals at once: our teachers can engage in professional development—consistent with state guidance and approval--while our students can still receive valuable instruction. Local school systems can designate no more than three virtual days as asynchronous days.
Is BCPS able to use virtual days for teacher professional development?
Yes. In July, BCPS received state approval to designate one half day per semester for teacher professional development for the 2023-2024 school year.
How are virtual learning days related to inclement weather days?
Local school systems may instruct students virtually on inclement weather days. Local school systems, in the person of the local superintendent, determine when a day will be designated as an inclement weather day.
Why are BCPS staff required to participate in planning and professional development?
Staff planning time and professional development opportunities play a critical role in our efforts to ensure that Team BCPS teachers provide high quality and rigorous instruction for students and reverse the trend of declining academic performance.