Publicly funded schools in Ontario will stay closed until the first week of May.
Provincial Education Minister Stephen Lecce addressed media this afternoon saying the closures are now extended until May 1st for teachers and May 4th for students. (Above audio)
Childcare centres will also remain closed for another two weeks.
In the meantime, a teacher-led program will keep students learning at home.
Premier Doug Ford says the second phase of ‘Learn At Home’ enhances supports for students and ensures teacher-student relationships are restored.
The measures of this second phase include:
– Final report cards for all students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
– Re-establishing teacher-led learning by grade groupings as follows:
Kindergarten-Grade 3: five hours of work per student/week (focus on literacy and math)
Grades 4-6: five hours of work per student/week (focus on literacy, math, science and social studies)
Grades 7-8: 10 hours of work per student/week (focus on math, literacy, science and social studies)
Grades 9-12: three hours of work per course per week for semestered students; 1.5 hours of work per course per week for non-semestered students (focus on achieving credits/completion/graduation)
– Students continuing to work at classes that are already underway.
– A new embracing of digital platforms.
– Increased Virtual Learning methods.
– The distribution of laptops and devices for schools as needed
– Ensuring that Special Education needs are addressed, plus additional supports for students.
Minister Lecce says that by printed material or tablet, students will continue through the curriculums.
Premier Doug Ford adds that he’s prepared to extend the closures even further if he has to.