DESE is collecting public comments until January 29, 2021 on the proposed mandate for “synchronous learning time” in public schools.
The emergency amendments were adopted by the Board on December 15, 2020 and required to be implemented in districts by January 19, 2021. The proposed amendments establish a minimum required hours of synchronous learning for programs that are offering hybrid learning models and remote learning models.
The full text of the proposed amendments are available here.
(3) Alternative education models shall include the following:
(a) Hybrid learning model. Hybrid learning model means students alternate between in-person learning with safety requirements and remote learning. Hybrid learning models shall include the following requirements:
(1) Effective January 19, 2021, districts and schools operating a hybrid learning model shall provide at least 35 hours of live instruction over a 10-school day period, averaged across the grades in the hybrid learning model.
(b) Remote learning model. Remote learning model means student are educated remotely. Remote learning models shall include the following requirements:
(1) procedures for all students to participate in remote learning, including a system for tracking attendance and participation;
(2) remote academic work shall be aligned to state standards;
(3) a policy for issuing grades for students’ remote academic work; and
(4) teachers and administrators shall regularly communicate with students and their parents and guardians, including providing interpretation and translation services to limited English proficient parents and guardians;
(5) effective January 19, 2021, districts and schools operating a remote learning model shall provide synchronous instruction each school day; and
(6) effective January 19, 2021, districts and schools operating a remote learning model shall provide at least 40 hours of synchronous instruction over a 10-school day period, averaged across the grades in the remote learning model.
If you have recommendations or feedback for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to consider regarding these proposed amendments, you can submit your feedback by Friday January 29, 2021. Written comments on the regulation may be submitted
Mail
Mary E. Morales
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148
Fax 781-338-3390
Email mary.e.morales@mass.gov.
The deadline for submission of public comment is January 29, 2021. After the public comment is reviewed, the Board plans to vote on permanent amendments at its meeting in February 2021
We are currently requiring way to much of the faculty currently. Apart from the diminished WIFI not being able to perform with current standards ie. 2 devices per every student (phone & tablet), teachers (desktop, laptop, phone, smart board) and additional camera on a tripod. the faculty have become A/V technicians besides having to manage in-person classes, they have to manage remotely as well. You must find this task to be very overwhelming meanwhile, tried to encourage a positive environment. Additionally, there are an overwhelming amount of students failing their classes, parents and guidance become concerned. Then there is push back on the faculty “what will this student need to complete in order to pass” Um do the assignments! ENOUGH is ENOUGH, this year is a wash just like the last 5 months of 2020 school year. Guide the students and faculty into a more positive learning and caring environment. Please I implore you to back down from the current demand of regulations and standards.