A couple months ago, educators were forced to make a rapid change to their teaching styles. And students had to make almost a 180 degree shift in their learning, even if they were just a few months away from earning a diploma. Now, we are stepping into the 2020-2021 school year, and the Coronavirus is still at large. With new cases being reported everyday, many states in America have decided to use online schooling to accommodate quarantine and social distancing measures; others have chosen to attempt traditional in-person schooling. These being the two main options, states have gone with different approaches. Which states are doing what? We have answers!
Traditional Learning/Hybrid Models
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo announced that most public school districts in RI will be permitted to resume in-person instruction when schools reopen for the 2020-2021 school year. Texas, Florida, Iowa, Missouri, and Arkansas all have similar plans to reopen schools at least part-time. Missouri is going to require students to be in school at least two days a week, while Florida is currently requiring all brick-and-mortar schools to be open 5 days a week. FL Education Secretary Johnny Key issued a statement that requires districts to offer in-person instruction five days a week when classes resume. Gov. Reynolds of Iowa ordered every student to spend at least half of their schooling inside classrooms. School districts must also provide online classes for parents who demand it.
Remote Learning
Other states have given the freedom to individual districts to choose what is best for their specific area. Given this freedom, many districts have chosen to start with remote-learning then ease into a hybrid model (example: public schools in DC will continue distance learning until at least the end of the first term). Arizona, Colorado, and Indiana are all examples of states in which individual districts will make the decision based on infection rate and input of local health authorities. As started on August 19, Arizona school districts were required to provide on-site learning opportunities for students who did not have access to an educational environment. Colorado has a similar plan to look closely at the numbers and take action from there, CNN reports “The reopening guidance for schools put out by the state recommends that districts have a variety of plans in place in addition to in-person classes, including teaching students in small groups and through distance learning.” Indiana State Governor Eric Holcomb allowed schools to reopen in July, but left it up to the districts to set their own academic plan.
Each state has a different plan in place to continue educating its students during the pandemic. In the end, all we can ask for is a good education for our nation’s students, and for each and every school district to provide such opportunities. We may come across difficulties as we continue down this road, but everyone deserves an education and we cannot leave any child behind.
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