Direct Link - Homebound/Home Instruction/Teleteaching

Entrance Requirements

Medical Eligibility

To be eligible for the Direct Link Program, students must meet the following criteria:

• Medical and/or mental health absence for an anticipated 60 school days.

• Direct Link medical certificate with MD/DO signature.

The medical certificate must be completed by a medical doctor (an MD or DO) to certify that the student has a chronic or acute health condition, disease, accident, high-risk pregnancy, or illness requiring the student to be absent from school for an extended period of time.

The medical certificate from Direct Link needs to be requested via the school psychologist, school administrator, or school nurse. Parents should start their request with school staff at their student's home school.

A medical certificate is required each school year and will apply for the entire school year, August through May. Homebound or video conference instruction cannot start until the medical certificate is provided to Direct Link. Parents are encouraged to speak with their student's physician prior to requesting homebound instruction.

Placement Eligibility

IEP team determination that the student's appropriate educational placement and Least Restrictive Environment is home instruction (typically for a short period of time).

Curriculum

Our highly qualified and experienced certified teachers provide a flexible, needs-based curriculum aligned with Arizona State Standards. We offer courses in English, math, science, social studies, P.E., and health depending on grade level.

Programs

To meet a variety of needs, we offer three delivery methods for our home-based instruction:

Homebound

Students who are in grades pre-K-5 or who cannot participate in Video Conference instruction receive academic instruction in their homes approximately four hours per week. Student home visits are supervised by a parent or caregiver 18 years of age or older. Homes with pets who pose a risk to visitors must secure the pet away from the teacherduring instruction. For more information about time requirements for attendance, contact the registrar at (520) 225-2698.

Video Conference Instruction

Grades 6-12+ unless student is unable to participate by computer.

Teachers provide instruction in all core subjects by computer platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet or other, four hours per week. Students are not required to come to the Direct Link campus. Conferences with teachers are available by email, phone or video. Parents are welcome to attend video instruction sessions.

Combination Instruction

Teachers will work with the student's family to determine the most appropriate schedule. In some cases, students may receive instruction both in the home and by video conference. The combined schedule will meet the needs of students who are hospitalized, immuno-compromised, or otherwise unable to work with the teacher in person for a period of time. This type of schedule may also work best for high school students who are receiving instruction in multiple classes to meet graduation requirements.