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COVID-19 Forces Fast Switch To K-12 Distance Learning

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Many Michigan school districts are completing distance learning plans for approval. All such plans must be implemented by April 28.

School districts in Ingham County are submitting their plans for continuing instruction for the remainder of the school year.

 

Under Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order, all K-12 schools must enact distance learning plans no later than April 28. 

While strategies vary among districts, each is trying to build a mix of online instruction, printed materials and follow-up phone calls. 

Ingham Intermediate School District superintendent Jason Mellema says schools will rely on parents more than ever.

“What we’re asking is just for the support and the willingness to help and continue to push their child to reach towards those learning targets, and then continue to be in communication about what challenges they have and about what ways we can continue to support them,” Mellema says.

So far, Ingham ISD has received continuity plans from about half of the county’s 12 school districts. 

Mellema says he realizes some families don’t have reliable access to broadband, and should not be penalized if they’re unable to participate. 

 

 

 

Kevin Lavery served as a general assignment reporter and occasional local host for Morning Edition and All Things Considered before retiring in 2023.
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