West Twin Cities

Schools across the state are closed until at least early May as Gov. Tim Walz issued an order to extend the school’s closures, according to Sun Patriot Newspapers.

K-12 began distance learning protocol to teach students. School District 110 is using a variation of their “flex learning” plan.

Curriculum vary based on the educators as well as the resources of the families. The week of March 23, schools opened so families could pick up their materials. The Distance 110 Plan was activated by Monday, March 30.

A large component of the distance learning relies on e-learning, which many middle school and high school students already use. District officials are working to help students and families get access to the tools and internet access they need to complete the education requirements.

“No one knows how long students will be using this distance learning format of receiving their education from their homes instead of going to school,” said District 100 Superintendent Pat Devine according to Sun Patriot Newspapers. “We are making the distance learning plans to educate our students realizing this is our ‘new normal’ for at least the next several weeks.”

The state education department expects teachers to have regular contact with their students. Rather than attendance being marked as physical presence in a building, it is marked by meaningful exchange with the student, such as in asking questions and receiving an answer.

Minnesota will not be issuing statewide tests this year, although some educators may choose to issue tests as part of their curriculum.

The ACT rescheduled its national test date to June 13, and the SAT cancelled some of its tests, according to MPR News.

Students are also being fed still. Some bus drivers are dropping off food donations. Many schools have organized dedicated pick-up areas for meals. There is a free app called Free Meals for Kids that parents can download.