STUDENTS WILL BE TESTED, GET REPORT CARDS, GRADUATE
BRACEBRIDGE — The March Break continues into April — at least.
Today, based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health David William, Ontario announced that schools will remain closed until at least May to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of students and staff.
Public schools will remain closed to teachers until at least Friday, May 1, and to students until Monday, May 4.
As the evolving pandemic continues, these dates will be re-evaluated based on public health advice, says a release from MPP Norman Miller.
He says the closure may be extended if necessary.
Meanwhile, Minister of Education Stephen Lecce also released information about the second phase of the Learn at Home program.
He says the program, developed in conjunction with education partners, is designed to provide clarity for parents, enhance education supports, and create opportunities for teachers and educators to connect with students.
Throughout the school closure, students will continue to work their way through the curriculum, do assignments, be tested and will receive report cards and grades.
Lecce Grade 12 students will still be able to graduate and receive the grades they require to apply for post-secondary education.
“I am pleased that the Minister has recognized that not all students have access to technology or high speed internet,” said Miller. “The ministry is working with school boards and teachers to find ways to deliver learning materials to all students regardless of their access to technology.”
Lecce added in a news conference: “One way or another, by printed materials or by tablet, every child should and will be able to continue learning through the curriculum, supported by their teacher.”
Later he said that might be include having school bus drivers delivering, in accordance with public health recommendations, learning materials.
Ross Romano, Minister of Colleges and Universities, announced the spring semester of all Ontario colleges and universities will be completed online.
He said the province has come to an agreement to provide a secure system for online exams that will ensure that post-secondary students will be able to finish their courses and exams online. This will ensure that the students taking the exams are who they say they are and prevent cheating on exams in order to uphold the reputation of our schools.
“I am pleased that our government has been able to transition to digital and at home teacher-led education to ensure our students continue to learn throughout this crisis,” said Miller.
“I want to thank Minister Lecce, the Ministry of Education, our school boards and our teachers for working together to make sure our children continue to learn and don’t lose their school year.”
