All of Alabama’s K-12 public schools are closed right now due to the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what we know right now about what’s next for the state’s 722,000 students and 90,000 employees.

When will school reopen?

At this time, schools are scheduled to reopen on April 6. Monday afternoon, Alabama Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey told the Montgomery Advertiser that he will be ready to announce a decision on Thursday.

Make sure you are following your school and school district’s social media accounts and official websites for more information.

Are my child’s teachers supposed to be working while Alabama schools are closed?

Technically, teachers are still being paid and are expected to be working unless they’re on spring break. Each of Alabama’s 138 school districts can decide whether to require teachers and other employees to report to school buildings or attend meetings, in accordance with public safety orders.

Beginning Monday, 92 Alabama school districts started a week of spring break. Another 28 school districts start spring break on March 30.

Am I supposed to be teaching my child at home?

According to state education officials, all learning is optional at this point. School officials are not supposed to be requiring work from students during the period from March 19 through April 3. However, education experts recommend parents try to keep kids learning wherever possible.

There are multiple free online resources, and for students without internet access, educators recommend reading books and doing some type of art activity. Check with your child’s teacher and school officials for recommendations on activities for students while schools are closed.

What about online learning? Can’t my kids at least do that?

Each school has different capabilities. While students in wealthy districts might have both a device (laptop, iPad, Chromebook) and an internet connection, many areas in Alabama don’t have a reliable internet connection. More than half of children in Alabama’s public schools are in families that receive some form of federal meal or income assistance, which means it’s not likely they have internet at home.

This map shows where internet services are hard to come by. According to the FCC, in three Alabama counties--Bullock, Greene and Perry counties--none of the population has access to fixed internet services that reach minimum benchmarks for service. In those same three counties, though, more than 90% have access to a minimum level of mobile service, but there’s still a concern about how well students can complete schoolwork on a mobile device.

Related: Schooling online in Alabama during a worldwide pandemic

My child needs special education services. Isn’t the school supposed to provide them?

During the full school closure, no special education services are required. However, education officials are still looking for guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, and compensatory education (meaning making up for any knowledge or skills lost) could be needed for students receiving special education.

Here’s the latest guidance from federal education officials.

Extremely disappointed to hear some school districts were using info from @usedgov as an excuse not to educate kids during this #COVID19 emergency. Nothing from @usedgov should prevent schools from offering education through distance instruction. https://t.co/4qpnK8WWcj — Secretary Betsy DeVos (@BetsyDeVosED) March 23, 2020

How can I get meals for my children?

Many schools are offering free meals to all children 18 and under during the school closure period. AL.com has a list of those we know about, but please check with your school’s social media or official websites for more information.

During spring breaks, most school districts will not be offering free meals, though a few are. Call 211 for information about where meals are available during spring break closures.

What about my high school senior? Will she get to graduate?

Alabama Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey said making sure seniors graduate and receive their diploma is his highest priority. He said that while seniors may not graduate on time (meaning in May), with work through the summer, students will likely be able to graduate and go on to college in the fall.

Be aware that many colleges are working on ways for orientation to be conducted virtually, online, because campus visits are not possible.

Will students have to make up these missed days? If schools reopen, could kids go to school into the summer?

During a state of emergency, the Alabama superintendent has the authority to waive makeup days. At this point, no decisions have been made about reopening schools or whether the school year will be extended. Mackey said he will have more information on March 30.

Kansas and Virginia have closed schools statewide through the end of the school year.

What about state standardized testing?

All state standardized testing is cancelled for the current school year. Juniors had already taken the ACT. There will be no federal or state report cards for accountability for the current school year. State education officials said they’re working to determine how not testing students will impact schools labeled “failing” under the Alabama Accountability Act.

What about the April ACT test?

ACT officials announced that the April test is being moved to June. See this link for more information.

What about Advanced Placement tests?

Advanced Placement officials announced all AP exams (currently scheduled for May) will be at-home tests. The test will be all essay, no multiple choice. See this link for more information.

The health and safety of educators and students are the AP Program’s highest priorities. We considered canceling AP testing this year, but 91% of AP students surveyed asked we not. So we’ll invest heavily to provide optional online daily AP review classes and at-home AP testing. pic.twitter.com/t9GXAIF0lb — Trevor Packer (@AP_Trevor) March 20, 2020

What about the SAT college entrance exam?

SAT officials announced the May 2 testing is canceled. Click this link for more information.

Updated: 3/24, 12 noon to include news that Virginia has also closed schools for the remainder of the school year.

Updated: 3/24, 4:30 p.m to include news that Alabama Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey said he will make an announcement on Thursday about when schools could reopen.