Coronavirus CT: Schools Could Be Remote Long-Term

CONNECTICUT — The state education commissioner is telling school districts to be prepared for long-term distance learning amid new guidance from the federal government.

Gov. Ned Lamont ordered all schools closed until at least March 31, however, Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona said in a letter to school leaders that it will likely be longer than that.

"Shift thinking from supplemental learning, which was intended for short-term cancellations, to distance learning, which is intended to serve as an alternative to learning in a school house," Cardona said.

The state Department of Education is sharing information will local districts regarding distance learning best practices. He encouraged districts with a strong remote distance learning plan in place to share it with nearby communities.

"This crisis will provide plenty of opportunities for us to become one educational community," he said.

The state Department of Education is working with other state agencies on how to provide supervision of students where needed, especially for the children of first responders and healthcare professionals.

Cardona is also working to address standardized testing. He is exploring options to waive standardized federal requirements.

"At this point, standardized assessment is not a priority for me given the unprecedented disruption caused by this pandemic," he said.