Michigan’s K-12 schools are closed until at least April 5, and some districts are looking to expand their online offerings for digital learning while students are at home.

But online learning won’t count towards a district’s instructional requirements mandated by the state, Michigan Department of Education Deputy Superintendents Venessa Keesler and Kyle Guerrant informed local districts Friday.

In a memo, Keesler and Guerrant wrote there’s no mechanism for districts to earn instructional time during mandated school closure, even if all requirements to transition to virtual learning are met.

“However, schools can and are encouraged to offer supplemental learning opportunities to students using distance learning methods as they see fit,” the memo reads. “MDE will not be granting seat time waiver requests during this time.”

Any professional learning offered to school employees during mandated school closure also wouldn’t count as qualifying professional development, the memo states.

The school closure applies to all public, private and boarding school buildings in Michigan. Schools are currently allowed to re-open April 6 under an executive order from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, although Whitmer has said that may be adjusted or extended.

Michigan law requires students to receive 1,098 instructional hours per year. School districts have varied in their response since the closures - some, including Ann Arbor Public Schools, have begun developing online learning plans by grade level and content area while schools are closed.

Since the statewide school closures, education organizations have been pushing the Michigan legislature to come up with a plan for forgiving school districts for the days of education missed due to COVID-19 closures and keep school employees paid.

Paula Herbart, president of the Michigan Education Association, said in a Friday statement they’re continuing to encourage lawmakers to return to Lansing “to take action on continued pay for all school employees and forgiveness of time during this closure.”

Great Lakes Education Project Executive Director Beth DeShone asked the department to reverse course in a statement, calling it a punishment to teachers and students who have continued teaching and learning during the outbreak.

“Public school teachers, parents, and students have worked incredibly hard, night and day, to ensure learning and classwork continues even in the face of a public health crisis,” DeShone said. “MDE just told them to stop trying. Teachers’ and parents’ efforts should be commended, celebrated, and – most importantly – counted, not coldly discounted by bureaucrats in Lansing.”

Lawmakers were last in session Tuesday and currently have one session day a week scheduled, with the next coming up March 25.

On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clark Lake, said lawmakers “continue to evaluate and anticipate the needs of our schools" and said discussions about necessary legislation for schools continue, including exploring additional funding to “extend the school year in the event temporary closures last longer than anticipated.”

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PREVENTION TIPS

Michigan’s State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips:

What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases:

· Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.

· Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same.

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

· Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

· Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available.

· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces(computers, keyboards, desks, etc.).

· It’s not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season.