Sisters and Brothers,
Last Wednesday we received the news that Governor Baker had extended the Covid-19 school closure until at least May 4th. Shortly thereafter, DESE Commissioner Jeff Riley released a series of guiding principles and recommendations for districts to consider as they work with educators to develop “remote learning” programs to provide some continuity of instruction during this difficult time. According to MTA President Merrie Najimy, who helped to negotiate these guidelines, these principles acknowledge:
- That highest priority is to support the emotional and physical health of students, parents and educators.
- There is no way to remotely replace or re-create what happens in our public schools. Remote learning must be understood broadly. This includes going well beyond reliance on technology and involves embracing creative approaches to learning developed by educators in conversation with one another.
- District MOUs must establish reasonable parameters for remote learning that allow for flexibility for our educators and their students and families. This means not expecting all educators and students to be working during set hours and not expecting students to be covering all of the content that would usually be taught during this period.
Districts must address the learning needs of high-need students, including not assigning projects that cannot be completed by students who do not have access to required materials, technology, or adult support. Particular attention must be paid to the needs of low-income students, students of color, students with disabilities and English learners.
This afternoon, the HEA and the School Committee, with Superintendent Marotta, began to negotiate over the terms of our temporary remote learning model. We have not reached an agreement over the terms of this model as of yet. The Association is committed to ensuring that educators have the flexibility they need to care for their own families and aren’t overburdened with excessive expectations during this global pandemic. As Commissioner Riley noted, “remote learning is not synonymous with online learning [and it ] . . . can take place in a multitude of ways.”
The language we proposed reflects these principles and provides educators with the flexibility they need to attend to both their personal and professional responsibilities. A second session will be held tomorrow morning, and I will update you in the afternoon with news of our progress. Until then, Commissioner Riley’s recommendations are attached for you to review.
In Solidarity,
Anthony