Virtual Learning - Why Not MCPS?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:themocoshow: Montgomery County Public Schools has clarified why it is not shifting to virtual learning during weather related school closures, despite ongoing questions from families
According to MCPS, virtual instruction is not an option durina these closures for several kev reasons tied to access, timina, and state requirements. First, the school system does not currently have one to one remote devices available for every student. Without universal access to devices, MCPS says moving to virtual learning would create inequities and prevent manv students from participating fullv in instruction.
Second, the current closures coincide with the start of a new semester. Many high school students are beginning new courses with new teachers, and MCPS says attempting a short term pivot to virtua learning during this transition would be disruptive and impractical. Administrators note that starting new classes online for only a few days, then switching back to in person learning, would create confusion rather than continuity
Finally, MCPS does not have a state approved virtual learning plan in place. Without that approval the district is not permitted to move instruction online during weather closures, regardless of logistical considerations.
The clarification echoes information previously shared by Moderately MoCo, which confirmec directly with MCPS superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor that snow related closures remain traditionak snow days, not virtual learning days. MCPS has emphasized that if its ability or authorization to offer virtual learning ever changes, the district wil make a clear and official announcement
For now, MCPS says closures due to weather will continue to function as traditional school closures with no remote instruction taking place.

Sometimes teachers change but it’s the same courses and it’s rare to start new courses mid year. Hs students have their chromebooks or phones.

So do MS kids. Heck, if the central office had some foresight, they could have sent the 4th and 5th graders home with their Chromebooks.

It’s not like this was a freak winter storm that no one predicted. We knew it was coming a week in advance. Whoever does MCPs operational planning should be replaced

They could figure out a way to get assignments to the kids who have access, especially the MS and HS. One of our teachers has sent out three assignments and emailed them to students and parents. For the other kids they could set something up online and email to the parents who have acccess and willing and those who don't can make it up over a few weeks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would support distance learning during extended closure. Like if conditions are truly dangerous and school needs to be closed for more than a week, they could offer some kind of instruction. For ES, they could mail packets home. I would support using this to reduce makeup days by up to 2 days per week of closure (after one week)

Mail?

I just got mail delivered for the first time in a week yesterday.

Meanwhile, someone has to be able to get to work to
1) print each teacher’s packets.
2) copy all of those packets.
3) stuff envelopes
4) address the envelopes.
and 5) drop all of the envelopes off at the post office.

I think the idea is stupid, but presumably the pp meant email.

Which is even crazier because I'd imagine like 60% of the county doesn't have a printer in their home. And I'm not just talking the FARMS kids. I make 6 figures and have not owned a home printer in over a decade. No need to have one when I can print everything at the office.

You can clearly get online no problem so they can do the work online or buy a printer.

I'm not buying a printer so your socially inept nerd kids can do their school work. My kid is using this time off to hit the squat rack in the basement. Football is in a few months

Can’t they do football and schoolwork at the same time. You are stealing from your employer. You sound like a terrible parent who doesn’t value education. I’m happy to buy your kid a printer but they are in hs so they have a Chromebook or they can use your device.

Unless your football playing kid is still in elementary school, he can use his Chromebook and you can save your precious 100$ and not buy a printer.

The kids who need printed materials are the ones without Chromebooks (ie grades K-3.)

They may be making stuff up as only classwork is printed and kids don't need to print anything. Textbooks and books are online.