Garrett County and Allegany County - Public Schools - Virtual Education Days Pilot Program
The bill necessitates that public schools implement certain accommodations for students and staff who may lack access to the internet. Each school is mandated to establish a method for distributing assignments and collecting completed work from students without reliable internet access. Furthermore, the virtual education day is designed to count against the allotted days for school closures due to weather or emergencies, thus providing schools with flexibility in managing instructional time while remaining compliant with educational mandates.
House Bill 1129 establishes a Virtual Education Days Pilot Program specifically for Garrett County and Allegany County. This legislation allows the county superintendents to order a virtual education day instead of traditional school closures during inclement weather. The intent is to maintain educational continuity while addressing challenges posed by days when physical classroom attendance is not feasible due to severe weather conditions. Schools are required to notify students, parents, and staff promptly regarding the virtual education day decision, ensuring clear communication.
While not overly contentious, the bill may invoke discussions regarding equity in educational access, particularly for students who may not have the necessary resources to fully participate in virtual learning. Critics might argue that without proper accommodations and support, students from disadvantaged backgrounds could fall behind. The legislation, which is set to expire on September 30, 2024, also compels local boards of education to adopt appropriate policies for the implementation of the pilot program, indicating the need for oversight and evaluation of its effectiveness.