Connecticut House Bill HB05783

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/21
• Refer: 1/28/21

Caption

An Act Concerning The Provision Of Distance Learning By School Districts.

Impact

An important aspect of HB 05783 is its provision for students with 504 plans and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Under this bill, such students are entitled to in-person instruction and cannot be compelled to participate in distance learning unless specific educational requirements can be met through that method. This provision underscores the intention to prioritize traditional learning methods for students requiring special accommodations, while still offering a pathway for flexibility in their education.

Summary

House Bill 05783 concerns the provision of distance learning by school districts in an effort to create uniform standards and accommodate various student needs. The bill mandates that the Department of Education implement state-wide standards for distance learning, ensuring consistency across school districts. Additionally, it requires annual reviews to assess how well school boards are adhering to these established standards, aiming to improve the overall quality of education delivered remotely.

Conclusion

Lastly, HB 05783 calls for state-supported training in distance learning for teachers. This component aims to equip educators with the necessary skills to effectively teach in a remote environment, ensuring that schools are not only compliant with new regulations but also prepared to deliver quality education through distance learning modalities.

Contention

Furthermore, the bill seeks to address the logistics of distance learning during inclement weather. It allows local and regional boards of education to allocate the first three days of inclement weather as traditional snow days, exempting them from distance learning requirements. Any additional days may then serve as distance learning sessions, counting towards the mandated 180 school days per year. This flexibility acknowledges the challenges schools face in maintaining education continuity during unpredictable weather conditions.