With a new pilot program on flexible instructional days, snow days this school year won't necessarily mean a day off from school.
The state Department of Education today announced school districts can apply to "use non-traditional educational delivery methods on regularly scheduled school days in which circumstances, such as inclement weather, necessitate an alternate approach."
Up to five days in a school year can be counted, if certain requirements are met.
Acting education secretary Carolyn Dumaresq said, “As we continue to advance through the twenty-first century, our education system is adapting to and actively using technology for the delivery of instruction and educational materials. The flexible instructional days program offers schools the option to deliver instruction through the use of digital technology when students are prevented from physically being in the classroom.”
Schools must submit a summary of their program to the department to qualify to have it count for required days or hours. The program may be online, offline or a combination. However, comparable alternatives to broadcast or Internet options must be provided for students and teachers who cannot access the program because of power, technology or connectivity issues. Services for special education students also must be addressed.
Education writer Eleanor Chute: echute@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1955.
First Published: September 22, 2014, 3:31 p.m.
