Many K-12 students do not have the technology to learn remotely while schools are closed, according to a new survey of public school districts in the state.
The survey, from the Louisiana Department of Education, asked school districts in the state questions about distance learning, technology issues, and plans for making up lost time. The agency said every school district responded, including charter and state schools.
Among the takeaways: every single school district is offering some kind of distance learning -- whether that’s online, offline, or some combination.
In a press release, Acting State Superintendent of Education Beth Scioneaux praised local educators for adapting to new teaching conditions.
“They have adopted their own unique strategies to engage students academically, socially and emotionally,” she said, “and more importantly, they have provided necessary stability for many in an uncertain time.”
But the report also highlighted some major problems. According to the survey, school districts said technology access for students was their primary need. 66% of students in the state have access to the internet at home, according to the survey, and 28% don’t have access to a laptop or tablet.
Providing support for students with disabilities was the second most common need among school districts.
“We must innovate and work together to overcome these barriers to ensure every child, including those most vulnerable, have access to a quality education," Scioneaux said.
In March, Governor John Bel Edwards waived state requirements for how many hours of instruction students must receive, but many school districts still appear ready to make some of it up.
According to the report, 70% “are contingency planning on offering summer school,” while 28% are planning to start the 2020-2021 school year early.
