Pittsburgh Public Schools Considers Remote Learning To Start Year

PITTSBURGH, PA — Pittsburgh Public Schools students could begin the 2020-21 school year with at least nine weeks of remote learning. School director Kevin Carter has introduced a resolution at a board meeting Wednesday that would delay the hybrid mix of learning platforms that district had detailed in favor of keeping students at home for the first quarter.

The resolution was tabled. The board will seek public comment on the plan on July 29 before voting on it Aug. 4.

The measure was introduced as coronavirus cases have risen significantly in Pittsburgh and across the state over the past few weeks. It comes a week after the Pennsylvania State Education Association asked state officials to direct public schools to plan for an online start to the year if the spread of coronavirus doesn't slow.

The resolution would require district officials to:

• Prepare plans for all students to begin the school year remote-learning and equipped with the new technology chosen.

• Provide a contingency plan for special education students to get access to necessary support services and resources.

• Ensure that every student has access to technological devices at the start of the school year to properly implement remote-learning instruction.

• Develop a contingency plan for parents of students who are essential workers and those not able to support their child’s remote learning.