STATEHOUSE (Aug. 19, 2020) – Area legislators said new resources are available to help students succeed, especially as COVID-19 complicates the start of the school year.
"With unprecedented changes in our local schools as we enter this new year, it's imperative families have access to resources to help students succeed," said State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne). "Our middle and high school students will tackle a nontraditional model of blended learning, and they will likely need additional support as they make this transition."
Whether returning to school for in-person instruction, or participating in remote- or e-learning, Carbaugh said the Indiana Department of Education offers online resources to start the school year strong. Parents can find information on internet access, providers of high-speed broadband at a reduced rate and how to qualify for a free computer, all by visiting doe.in.gov. Students can also access educational activities sorted by grade level and subject area, including writing prompts, a free e-library, physical education and art programs. This website also provides information on health and safety guidelines that families can review when students return to the classroom, including help with face covering guidelines.
According to State Rep. Dave Heine (R-Fort Wayne), IDOE partnered with Indiana Public Broadcast Stations in the spring to connect families to educational television programing and online resources aligned to Indiana's academic standards. He said these programs are still available and can be accessed at PBSLearningMedia.org. Parents can find their local station and TV schedule by visiting IPBS.org.
"PBS 39 here in Fort Wayne will offer programs tailored to age specific groups on a variety of subject areas and learning objectives," Heine said. "Educators assisted with the curriculum's development so they would meet Indiana's educational standards. This is yet another example of public broadcasting helping their communities during this pandemic."
For free help completing assignments and tutoring, students can turn to AskRose.org. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's AskRose Homework Help is a free math and science tutoring service for Hoosier students in grades 4-12. State Rep. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne) said students can call 877-ASK-ROSE or chat live online with a tutor to work through homework assignments.
"Interactive learning does not have to disappear just because students are remote or e-learning," Morris said. "AskRose gives students the ability to talk through their science or math problem with a free tutor for one-on-one instruction."
Morris said schools and officials are launching the new school year with plans based on local COVID-19 data, and families should visit their local school websites for the most up-to-date information.
More resources and information can be found at doe.in.gov.
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State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) represents House
District 81, which includes a portion of Allen County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Dave Heine (R-Fort Wayne) represents House
District 85, which includes a portion of Allen County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne) represents House
District 84, which includes a portion of Allen County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
