Big Island public schools will implement 100% distance learning for at least the first four weeks of instruction, as will most other schools on the neighbor islands, the state Department of Education announced today.
Big Island public schools will implement 100% distance learning for at least the first four weeks of instruction, as will most other schools on the neighbor islands, the state Department of Education announced today.
During the transition to distance learning, school leaders will assess plans for the rest of the quarter, the DOE said in a news release.
Schools will provide in-person special education services as appropriate and will serve as a “learning hub” to support those students who lack internet access.
“This transition prioritizes the health and safety of our students and staff while ensuring equity of access for high-needs and underprivileged students,” Hilo-Waiakea Complex Area Superintendent Esther Kanehailua said in the DOE news release. “Student engagement and family needs during distance learning will be important factors in our decision-making as we move ahead.”
From Aug. 17-20, students will return to campuses on a coordinated scheduled to connect with their teacher, receive training on distance learning platforms and address issues with connectivity and accessibility.
Starting Aug. 17, school cafeterias will be serving grab-and-go meals for enrolled students.
From Aug. 24-Sept. 11, distance learning will be implemented. Special education services that can’t be provided in this format will be available in person, and supervised in-person learning labs will be available at schools for students who don’t have Wi-Fi access.
If distance learning will continue for the remainder of the first quarter, an announcement will be made by each complex area superintendent on Sept. 8.
This story will be updated in Wednesday’s edition of the Hawaii Tribune-Herald.
