Class Information 

Student Information

• Level Placement: All students start from Level 1, irrespective of age, grade, or prior Kannada knowledge. If your child already knows some Kannada, please let us know so we can consider placing them in a fast-paced class.

• Class Structure: Classes are held online for one hour per week. The specific weekly schedule is mutually worked out between the teacher and the students.

• Small Group Learning: To ensure individual attention, each class will have a maximum of 5 students of a similar age group.

• Curriculum: We follow the WASC-accredited Kannada Academy curriculum, which spans 8 distinct levels (from basic vowels and consonants up to advanced grammar, poetry, and Karnataka's culture/history).

• Completion Requirements: Each level requires the successful completion of homework assignments, exams, and steady attendance to obtain a level completion certificate issued by Kannada Academy.

Homework & Attendance Policy

• Weekly Assignments: Expect approximately 30 minutes of weekly homework to reinforce classroom learning. This will typically consist of:

  • Digital interactive widgets (such as Kali-Nali & Helu-Bare)

  • 1 Activity from the Kannada Academy textbook

  • 1 Reading or Writing activity

• Late Work Policy: Late homework will receive full credit if it is turned in before the respective midterm or final exam. Any late work assigned before an exam but submitted after, will receive a zero.

• Attendance & Punctuality: Consistent attendance is crucial. To maintain classroom integrity, two unexcused tardies or early dismissals (not due to a family emergency, sickness, or travel to India) will count as one unexcused absence.

Virtual Classroom Expectations

To make online learning successful, we ask that students come to class ready:

• Devices: Students must join their virtual classroom via Zoom using a laptop or computer (please refrain from using handheld devices like phones). Ensure the device is fully charged.

• Supplies: Have your Kannada Academy textbook, a dedicated composition notebook, and a sharpened pencil ready before class begins.

• Environment: Students should sit at a desk or table in a quiet space and use the restroom before attendance is taken to minimize disruptions.

High School Credits & Seal of Biliteracy

• Avant WorldSpeak Exam: For high school students (ideally in 9th or 10th grade), we train qualified students to take the Kannada Avant WorldSpeak Exam.

• School Credits: For students who have completed at least 4 levels and maintained a minimum of 2 years of attendance, we work directly with their local school district to help them obtain 0.5 non-GPA credits (based on achieving an "Intermediate-Mid" score or above).

• Seal of Biliteracy: Students also have the option to take the Avant exam specifically to earn the prestigious Seal of Biliteracy for their high school transcripts.

Expectations for Parents & Community

• Home Environment: Parents are highly encouraged to create an immersive Kannada-speaking environment at home to complement weekly lessons.

• Absences: Parents must proactively notify the teacher if a student is going to be absent.

• Support Our Volunteers: Please remember that our teachers are dedicated community volunteers. Any major operational, teacher, or curriculum issues should be directed to the Shaale Core Team/Principal rather than the individual instructor.

Note: If teachers or substitutes cannot be filled from within our pool of families, we cannot guarantee the continuation of that specific class section. 

Teacher Information

• Training & Support: Comprehensive training and curriculum materials are provided by Kannada Academy and our shaale core team. You will receive timely support for all classroom needs.

• Commitment: We expect our volunteer teachers to serve a minimum of two years, with at least one year as a primary teacher.

• Scheduling: Classes are online for one hour per week. Teachers are free to coordinate the exact day and time directly with their students' families. Please keep the core team informed of your final schedule.

• Time Investment: In addition to the 1-hour live class, teachers should expect to spend 1 to 2 hours per week on lesson preparation, grading, and tracking progress.