SHARE

Covid-19: 'Live' Teaching and Check-In Requirements Go Into Effect For MA Schools

A new set of rules that requires "live" teaching time and daily check-ins in hybrid and remote learning Massachusetts school districts went into effect Tuesday, Jan. 19.

COVID-19

COVID-19

Photo Credit: By Oregon State University - https://www.flickr.com/photos/oregonstateuniversity/50587529187/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=97244334

The requirements set by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education are an update to rules meant to stop the spread of COVID-19 by keeping students in high-risk communities learning from home. The rules establish a minimum level for live and synchronous instruction.

Any district that does not comply with the new regulations will be required to make up learning time missed due to non-compliance by the end of the school year, the board said.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Here are the top 5 changes that parents, guardians, and students are most likely to notice under the board's new regulations:

  • Live for 35 - Districts and schools with hybrid learning models must provide students with access to at least 35 hours of “live instruction” over a 10-school day period (excluding pre-k and kindergarten
  • What's 'Live' Mean: Live instruction is a combination of in-person and remote synchronous instruction for students.
  • Daily Live Check-Ins: Students must have the opportunity to interact with teachers each school day including a daily “live” check-in between students and teachers.
  • One Class: Schools teaching students in a hybrid setting can’t give separate lessons to a classroom of students based on whether they are at home or in the school. Every day teachers have to provide them with access to “synchronous instruction” like livestreaming in-person instruction accessed by remote students.
  • 40 Hours Of Classroom Time: Schools with a remote learning model must provide students with access to at least 40 hours of synchronous instruction over a 10-school day period (excluding pre-k and kindergarten).

to follow Daily Voice Worcester and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE