STATEHOUSE (April 8, 2020) – With Indiana school buildings closed for the academic year, State Reps. Ron Bacon (R-Chandler) and Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville) said there are several online resources available to help students continue learning at home.
To slow the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Eric Holcomb recently issued an executive order requiring all K-12 schools to provide instruction through remote learning for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year. According to Bacon, schools are working with the Indiana Department of Education to create continuous learning plans to ensure education is still happening and students keep up with their school work. He said many schools have already implemented remote or e-learning programs.
"It's not surprising that since coronavirus is impacting so many parts of our lives, that it would also affect the way learning is done," Bacon said. "I wish my grandkids and all students could be finishing out the year in person, but we have to do what's best for everyone's health. If that means keeping kids at home and providing alternative learning strategies, that's what we'll do."
Parents can visit doe.in.gov/covid-19, and click on "Remote Learning Resources" to access educational tools, including free online classes for all grade levels covering multiple subjects. Bacon said there's also a parent toolkit with information on how to help students finish the school year strong, along with STEM activities, educational games, virtual tours of museums and zoos, and more.
Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations recently teamed up with the DOE to offer television programming and online resources aligned with Indiana's curriculum standards for K-12 students. This includes WNIN out of Evansville. Parents can find their local TV program schedule through the DOE's COVID-19 website or by visiting wnin.org. Students and parents can also visit PBSLearningMedia.org to find grab-and-go activities, lesson plans, interactive lessons and other materials.
Sullivan said the state will continue looking for ways to help schools during the public health emergency and continue to be flexible during this unique time. For high school seniors on track to graduate, the DOE is working to ensure the students receive credit for the classes they complete remotely this semester.
"Educators are using available resources to ensure students are staying engaged in their coursework while communicating with parents on the various programs in place to help families in need," Sullivan said. "Schools are more than buildings, they are a source for food and support for our most vulnerable children. We must continue to provide access to these even if classes are virtual."
Most schools are providing food to students in need, with many offering meals at pick up locations. Each district has a different policy, so parents should check their school district’s website for specific information. For households with limited or no internet connectivity, Sullivan said the DOE's COVID-19 website also offers information on how to get low-cost or even free broadband service.
Parents and guardians in need of child care during this time can visit childcarefinder.in.gov to find options near their home or on the way to work. However, children displaying any signs of sickness should remain home until they are better.
For more information about remote learning, visit doe.in.gov/covid-19, or email IDOECOVID-19@doe.in.gov with questions.
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State Rep. Ron Bacon (R-Chandler) represents House District 75,
which includes portions of Warrick, Pike and Spencer counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville) represents House District 78,
which includes portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
