After a lot of anticipation, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan have released a safe learning plan for the upcoming school year, providing a glimpse at what schools may look like during the pandemic.
On Thursday, Walz said school districts and charter schools will begin with one of three models, in-person, distance-learning or a hybrid model.
The specific model that an individual school district will use will be determined with guidance from experts from the Minnesota departments of health and education.
That partnership will make recommendations for learning model decisions based on the level of COVID-19 activity in the surrounding county among other factors, including a particular district’s ability to meet mitigation requirements.
“This is a localized, data-driven approach. Where if it’s physically possible for teachers to teach our students, we will do that,” said Governor Walz during a news conference on Thursday.
Notably, the governor is requiring schools to give families the option to choose distance learning
for their student — no matter what learning model the school district is using.
“They will be provided a learning opportunity to do distance learning, that is absolutely critical that parents will have that opportunity,” Walz said.
Teachers and school employees will also be allowed to work remotely to the extent possible.
This is a fluid approach, with state education and health experts working with local schools throughout the year to help districts decide if they need to move between learning models.
There’s a lot to sift through, so expect more on this in future daily updates. More information can be found on Minnesota Department of Education’s website.
Food Assistance Available for Families Who Receive Reduced School Lunches