NEWARK– The school system has adjusted its distance learning plan for inclement weather days after receiving guidance from the state.
While Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) announced early on that inclement weather days beyond the three built into the calendar would be distance learning days, changes to what students can expect – including the addition of four hours of synchronous learning – were shared this week. Annette Wallace, the school system’s chief operating and academic officer for grades 9-12, said requirements from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), which has to approve the school system’s distance learning plan for inclement weather, prompted the change.
“We feel really positive about it,” she said. “We hope to submit it this week to MSDE.”
Though WCPS initially told parents they could expect distance learning for inclement weather if the school system’s built-in inclement weather days were used, they said the state advised them Jan. 14 of requirements for any distance learning days. Those requirements include four hours of synchronous – essentially live – instruction and that the distance learning plan be presented in advance to the local school board. With potential snow on the horizon, Wallace said WCPS was presenting the board with its plan this week.
She pointed out that officials knew synchronous learning was a challenge.
No more snow days, Booo !
“We feel really positive about it,” she said. “We hope to submit it this week to MSDE.”
Feelings and hope are not proven statistics in making informed decisions.
The world we live in – indeed.