Because the federal legislation came together so quickly, there are few details in the bill language other than the funding levels. The federal government usually stipulates that the funding must supplement new programming and services, not supplant existing programming and services. However, the allowable uses for the funding and when it will become available is still unknown.
Since declaring a peacetime state of emergency, the Governor issued dozens of Executive Orders with two on E-12 education.
Emergency Executive Order 20-02
involved the temporary two-week closure of schools from March 18-27 so educators could design a distance learning model for their students.
Emergency Executive Order 20-19
was for the implementation of the distance learning models so students could resume their education in more safe environments.
The House and the Senate held committee meetings this week via videoconferencing and plan to continue with state business.
Both the federal Education Stabilization Fund and the Governor's executive orders offer broad outlines, often with few specifics, and more questions than answers. It will take time to work through. Educators, families, and students need clarity and commitment from our policymakers. We will continue to look to MDE and the Legislature as they work to answer the questions and provide the stability and resources to support the monumental effort of transforming the way we teach kids.
During this first week of distance learning, SEE, along with the Minnesota Rural Educators Association (MREA), and the Association of Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD), submitted this commentary in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, which was published on Tuesday.
With distance learning: Be kind, be patient, be understanding.
Educators, parents and students are facing change all at once and doing their best. We’re all in it together.
As always, check out
Brad’s Blog
for additional information.
