By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer

(July 16, 2020) Although local educators would prefer to return to face-to-face instruction when schools open this fall, the Worcester County Board of Education is keeping its options open.

The board discussed three possibilities for that in a draft of its “Responsible Return” model at its meeting on Tuesday. Among the reasons for the multiple choice plan is that the board expects some public health restrictions will be in place when school begins on Sept. 8.

If schools cannot resume at full capacity in the fall, schools could employ hybrid learning or distance learning, similar to the instructional delivery method used during the spring semester.

In addition, The Maryland State Education Association, Baltimore Teachers Union, and Maryland PTA held a teleconference via Zoom on Tuesday at 2 p.m. about the risks of returning for in-person instruction this school year.

A joint letter addressed to Gov. Larry Hogan and State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon calls for Maryland schools to begin with virtual learning and instruction. After one semester, schools could transition into hybrid learning and possibly in-person learning later in the school year.

“In the face of no additional funding at the federal, state, or local level—let alone threatened budget cuts—it is not realistic to believe that all schools will be equipped with additional and more expensive necessities to stay safe on a daily basis,” the letter states.

The Maryland State Education Association, Baltimore Teachers Union, and Maryland PTA urge state and county leaders to establish a safe and consistent model of learning.

For the full article, see the Friday, July 17, issue of Ocean City Today.