Plan allows for flexibility, local control

from DJN August 27, 2020

by The Detroit Jewish News

Danny Raskin

Michigan State Legislature Approves Plan for Schools

Plan allows for fl exibility, local control.

CORRIE COLF STAFF WRITER

On Aug. 15, the Michigan state Senate approved a bipartisan plan that provides flexibility for school districts and for families as many students prepare for the upcoming school year. The Michigan House of Representatives then approved the plan on Aug. 17. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the bill.

The plan does not mandate in-person classes, leaving the decision to be made by the individual school districts. However, schools that decide to engage in in-person learning must coordinate with local health officials. There is no mention of a mask mandate in any of the bills.

Schools must reconfirm their plans on whether to use in-person learning, virtual learning or a combination every 30 days. The legislation defines attendance as students who are physically in class and those who participate virtually. It waives the requirement to have 180 days or 1,098 hours of school this year.

Districts are also tasked with establishing “education goals” for students by Sept. 15 and providing an “extended COVID-19 learning plan” by Oct. 1.

The requirements for the extended learning plan are to include “educational goals expected to be achieved for the 2020-21 school year, a description of how instruction would be delivered for the 2020-21 school year, and a requirement that a district ensure two twoway interactions occur between a pupil and his or her teacher during each week for at least 75% of pupils enrolled.”

Benchmark assessments of students are required within nine weeks of the start of school, with a second assessment delivered by the end of the year, in order for districts to receive funding.

Teachers are also required to check in with their students regularly or the state may withhold funding.

Funding for public schools would be set at similar levels as last year under the plan. According to the bills, 75% of funding would be based on a district’s student count for last school year, with the remaining 25% based on the count this year.

An additional $583 million would be allocated to help schools and educators during the school year. The funding is intended to help districts provide online learning and adequate student assessments. More than $50 million of that funding is intended to be used as hazard pay for teachers.

Parents should log on to their school district’s website to find out if students will start virtually or in person.