SUPERINTENDENT’S COVID-19 MESSAGE: MARCH 24, 2020

Mar 24, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La. – Acting State Superintendent Beth Scioneaux issued the following message to school leaders regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. The message led the Department’s weekly newsletter.

Dear Colleagues,

On Monday evening, I had the privilege of participating in a roundtable discussion at Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) centered on how the state is responding to the evolving Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. During the education-focused segment of the live broadcast, which you can now view online, I answered questions alongside Gov. John Bel Edwards, Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed and LPB Deputy Director Christina Melton. They offered valuable information and perspective.

Among the questions posed to the panel, we were asked how Louisiana is supporting distance learning efforts, including for children who do not have Internet access.

The Louisiana Department of Education is committed to supporting all distance learning efforts to minimize students’ learning loss. The Department has identified ways students and families can access free or reduced-cost Internet packages and WiFi hotspots, as well as ways schools can ensure tracking on devices provided directly to students. That information can be found in our K-12 FAQ, which is continually updated.

The Department has also been researching Louisiana school systems with strong plans to provide access to learning, collaborating with experts across the nation in order to provide school systems and educators with ideas and tools, and working closely with curriculum publishers to ensure access to key materials.

Later this week, we plan to provide you all with:

  • Sample models of distance education, including models that require limited or no technology;
  • Tools for teachers and students, such as sample schedules and communication systems, and guidance on how to utilize these tools;
  • An inventory of curricular materials that are available for distance learning formats; and
  • A dedicated Course Choice catalog that will offer expanded high school credit course opportunities through June 30.

We hope these resources, which will be shared directly and posted to our website, prove valuable as you navigate this uncertain time.

In service,
Beth Scioneaux
Acting State Superintendent

View the full newsletter.

#  #  #  #  #  #