TULSA - The state’s superintendent of public education says that her recommendation to close school campuses statewide isn’t one that has come easily, involves an educational plan for the rest of the school year that is still evolving.
Joy Hofmeister told InsideFortSmith.Com’s Grant Merrill on Monday that she has gotten input and consideration from a number of sources in working up what could constitute “distance education” for K-12 students, but there are a variety of different circumstances.
“This is something that may not fully be online. We have areas of the state where that is just not possible right now,” Hofmeister noted. “Or students that are quite young and need a different delivery of education. So distance learning can take many forms.”
While many students do have online access and will be able to utilize that where the situations allow, some districts may be forced to become innovative in delivering curriculum and more.
“We are also recognizing that this might be assignments and lessons that are delivered through a bus route, as well as meals that may be delivered in a neighborhood at bus stops, if not curbside pickup at the school bus oval,” Hofmeister said. “We are going to do everything we can to keep our kids safe and that is the point of all of this.”
Hofmeister says among the students at the top of her team’s mind is the senior class of 2020. She says an early decision will avoid hurdles that may not be needed down the line.
“We want to finish those courses and complete the requirements that are needed,” Hofmeister said. “We don’t want any more disruption than we already are going to experience because of the global pandemic, but we can mitigate some of that if we start now.”
With many parents basically homeschooling their children for the first time, Hofmeister says that people and organizations such as OETA television are making plans to make programming and resources available that will coincide with some of the curriculum students will be learning from.
“This is just part of Oklahoma pulling together, this is part of the Oklahoma standard, and we know it is only temporary,” Hofmeister said. “It is not surprising that Oklahomans are stepping up to help those that are in need.”
The Oklahoma State Board of Education will vote on the recommendation Wednesday morning at 9:30 AM.
