Alabama K-12 public school buildings will be closed for the rest of the academic year and students should plan to finish their classes at home, Gov. Kay Ivey has announced.
Al.com reports that Ivey has issued an order that all local school systems should adopt a plan to finish the academic year through “alternative methods of instruction,” such as online courses, beginning April 6.
“This decision has not been made lightly," Ivey says. She had hoped students would be able to return on April 6. “However, the virus continues to spread.”
Alabama’s K-12 public and private school buildings have been closed by state health order since March 19 to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
“We must be serious about eliminating the spread of this virus,” Ivey said, urging Alabamians to continue with safe health practices and to stay isolated in their homes. “This does not mean you stay at home and then invite all your friends to come over for a visit.”
Ivey says it is important to make sure special education students continue receiving the services they need, “to most closely approximate the therapy and special services they would receive in a normal school day.
Alabama does not regulate private schools. Decisions about what private schools do will be made individually by private school administrators in accordance with health department restrictions.
“Nothing can replace the interaction between the teacher and the students in a classroom setting." Ivey said. "However, access to high-quality instruction is crucial for our students to maintain their competitive edge academically.”
Alabama State School Superintendent Eric Mackey will meet with superintendents to begin making plans for how learning will continue on April 6.
“We are working diligently with our local superintendents and their teams," Mackey said, "to make sure there is a plan in place for every school, for every child to continue their learning to close out their school year, to graduate our seniors on time or very close to on time, and by the end of this summer they will be moving on either into that next grade or moving on to their next step after high school.”
Mackey acknowledged that districts across the state have “different levels of capacity” to do online learning. Where no connectivity is possible, they’ll offer “old-fashioned” take-home packets.
The school year will technically end on June 5, he said. All spring sports and extracurricular activities are canceled, but if health conditions permit, schools could hold graduation ceremonies later in the summer.
