STATEHOUSE (April 15, 2020) – With Indiana school buildings closed for the academic year, there are several online resources available to help students continue learning at home, according to Johnson County lawmakers.
To slow the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Eric Holcomb recently issued an executive order requiring all K-12 schools to provide instruction through remote learning for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year.
According to State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland), a member of the House Education Committee, schools are working with the Indiana Department of Education to create continuous learning plans to ensure education is still happening and students keep up with their school work. He said many schools have already implemented remote or e-learning programs.
“This virus has turned our worlds upside down, but it has brought many families closer,” Burton said. “While there are challenges to the whole family working and learning from home, I am encouraged to see parents and children spending time together and creating memories during these difficult times.”
Parents can visit doe.in.gov/covid-19, and click on “Remote Learning Resources” to access educational tools, including free online classes for all grade levels covering multiple subjects. State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) said there’s also a parent toolkit with information on how to help students finish the school year strong, along with STEM activities, educational games, virtual tours of museums and zoos, and more.
“Remote learning is a new reality for many Hoosier children and parents,” May said. “It doesn’t replace the valuable classroom experience, but there are many online resources available to help students continue their education.”
Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations recently teamed up with the DOE to offer television programming and online resources aligned with Indiana’s curriculum standards for K-12 students. Parents can find their local TV program schedule through the DOE’s COVID-19 website or by visiting their local IPBS station website. Students and parents can also visit PBSLearningMedia.org to find grab-and-go activities, lesson plans, interactive lessons and other materials.
State Rep. Dollyne Sherman (R-Indianapolis) said the state will continue looking for ways to help schools during the public health emergency and continue to be flexible during this unique time. For high school seniors on track to graduate, the DOE is working to ensure the students receive their diplomas.
“This is an especially difficult time for high school seniors who are missing out on big milestones like graduation,” Sherman said. “I’m hopeful we will be able to celebrate all their accomplishments this summer when we have made it through this storm.”
According to State Rep. John Young, (R-Franklin), most schools are providing food to students in need, with many offering meals at pickup locations. Each district has a different policy, so parents should check their school district’s website for specific information. For households with limited or no internet connectivity, he said the DOE’s COVID-19 website also offers information on how to get low-cost or even free broadband service. Hoosiers can also contact their service provider directly.
“While school buildings are closed, learning and other essential services are still being provided to students,” Young said. “Our schools are continuing to communicate with families, and making sure students have access to support at home.”
Parents and guardians in need of child care during this time can visit childcarefinder.in.gov to find options near their home or on the way to work. However, children displaying any signs of sickness should remain home until they are better.
For more information about remote learning, visit doe.in.gov/covid-19, or email IDOECOVID-19@doe.in.gov with questions.
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