Coronavirus: Milton Public Schools Remote Learning Plan

MILTON, MA – Milton Public Schools is implementing a remote learning model that staff and students are expected to follow with the state school closures extended during the new coronavirus health emergency. While the beginning of the closures were considered "non-school days" there will be a minimum mandatory requirement for learning time.

"We recognize that the current context within which we are facilitating learning is only not ideal, it is incredibly stressful for all stakeholders," Milton Superintendent of Schools Mary Gormley said. "However, managing learning from afar, or remote learning, is necessary at this time. To be clear, remote learning is not synonymous with online learning. We are conscious of the effects of screen time on children, and therefore, as the (State Education Commissioner) recommends, (Milton has) crafted a plan that seeks balance between the use of technology for remote learning and other opportunities that occur offline to engage, spark curiosity and motivate students to build skills and build understanding in a variety of areas."

Gormley said remote learning will take students between three and three-and-a-half hours each day — or 15 to 17.5 hours per week. She said remote learning tools include "large-group video or audio conference calls, phone calls, email, work packets, projects, reading lists, online learning platforms and other resources that engage students."

Gormley said the time commitment is in "keeping the expectation for learning to this minimum in recognition toll that the COVID-19 situation has taken, and will continue to take, on all families and teachers, and is acknowledgement that overseeing learning at home to this degree is new territory for most parents and guardians."

Don't miss updates about precautions in your area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

Latest coronavirus updates on Massachusetts Patch:

• MA Asked Feds For 1,400 Ventilators, But None Have Arrived: Baker
• Coronavirus Economic Stimulus Payments: What You Need To Do In MA
• Coronavirus Leads To Another Record Week For Jobless Claims In MA
• MA Shares Addresses Of People Who Tested Positive For Coronavirus
• Coronavirus Pushes MA Lottery Sales Down 29 Percent