The rules are changing for Massachusetts Schools. School Districts according to a new state plan will be required to develop so-called “hybrid learning plans” that teach students in person and remotely and via alternating schedules. And the work load for schools will be immense. In order to reopen successfully school districts will actually need three different plans. According to state education officials the first model will deal with a school year entirely done remotely. Another for a combo of remote and in person learning. And a third version of the plan for total in school learning with health protocols figured in. Under the guidelines, school classrooms would need to face all seats forward, space them six feet apart and insure that all students over the second grade would be required to wear masks. There will be exceptions for medical conditions. The guidelines will encourage students in younger grades to wear masks. Officials say there will not be a mandate as to class size or group sizes so long as social distancing is done. One of the things that has not been addressed specifically is how much a complete turn around in protocols will take. Communities will have to find the money in tough budget times. The Governor is expected to address that issue later today.
(Photo Credit: John Baibak/WHYN News)