Heather Curtis
MARYLAND (WMAL) – Distance learning will continue in D.C. Pubic Schools for the rest of the 2020-2021 school year, and the closure for public schools in Maryland has been extended through May 15.
The school year in D.C. will end three weeks early on May 29 for DCPS, and charter schools will end on or about that time as well according to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.
“Our hope would be to make up that three weeks in some way at the start of the next school year,” Bowser said during a press conference Friday.
As the number of COVID-19 infections and deaths around the D.C. metro area increases, officials believe keeping schools closed is in the best interest of public health and flattening the curve. As of Friday there were a total of more than 21,400 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the region and 737 deaths. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said this was Maryland’s deadliest week. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam was the first in the region to close public schools for the remainder of the academic year followed by Bowser. Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon said Friday they will use the next few weeks to figure out whether students will return to classrooms this academic year, and also to figure out a long-term recovery plan.
While DCPS Chancellor Dr. Lewis Ferebee said there has also been a significant use of technology and learning packets by students during the pandemic, he said they do want to provide more time in actual classrooms.
“We believe that preserving some time from June and potentially utilizing that time in August would be the best approach to provide the optimal learning experience for students in preparation for student success in the 20, 21 school year,” said Ferebee.
Ferebee added they will continue to get feedback about distance learning and make changes as needed.
He said they have seen overwhelming response to the parent university, which includes strategies on how to manage stress, the schedule for learning at home, and technology troubleshooting.
Salmon said school systems in Maryland will have to submit continuity of learning plans to the state. These must include: an overall description of how systems will deliver continuity of learning to students; a description of the roles of administrators, teachers, support staff, students and parents; a sample day for students and teachers; a plan of accountability for how school systems will monitor and assess student performance; a description of how school systems plan to address equity for special education students, English learners, students with academic needs and homeless student; a section that identifies professional development plans; and a description of the resources available for students.
School systems in Maryland have also started to develop plans for additional digital learning and making up lost instructional time with expanded summer school programs.
“I understand the impact of the uncertainty of this situation, and it’s created much anxiety across our school communities, especially for groups like our high school seniors,” Salmon said.
Local superintendents are working on creative alternatives, according to Salmon, to ensure high school seniors can get their diplomas and celebrate their graduations.
Correction: This story originally reported a total of 31,213 confirmed cases in the region. The correct number is more than 21,400.
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