Mississippi extends coronavirus school closures until mid-April, suspends testing requirements
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced Thursday that public schools would be closed until at least April 17 because of growing concerns about the new coronavirus.
“This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make,” the governor said on his Facebook Live.
The governor said he believed the extended closures would give the state more time to evaluate, but recognized that the closures are hard on families and that kids “learn better in the classroom.”
“I made this decision because I believe it’s In the best interest for all Mississippians,” he said on the closures. “This is not a vacation ... this is a time for learning.”
The governor also stated that he will relax testing requirements for the end of the year and give the Department of Education the “flexibility” they need to make those adjustments.
The Mississippi State Board of Education then voted to suspend all federal and state testing for the 2019-2020 school year. The executive order to close schools by the governor also allows school districts to not make up days missed while under a state of emergency.
Dr. Carey Wright, the state superintendent of education, said In a Thursday conference call with reporters that schools will also keep their accountability grades from the 2020 year since districts will not have ample testing to grade the schools.
Reeves said that school districts and teachers will be paid their salary on time. Their pay is protected by a bill passed by the House and Senate this week to protect full-time and part-time employees pay.
The governor also commended teachers for the adjustment to distance learning. Wright said that districts were working individually to see what distance learning looked like for their students with some making pre-made packets for pick-up to online lessons.
Wright was asked what advice she had for parents moving forward with continuing their education at home. She said that structre was key.
“I would encourage every parent to have a schedule every day, including play,” Wright said. “Children want schedules.”
The Mississippi Board of Education will hold a special-called meeting Thursday, March 26 to address other issues and questions from districts such as ACT testing, third grade promotion, graduation requirements and more.
Wright said these Immediate actions were to help get schools through the rest of the school year. Long-term plans are In the works and more will go before the board on Thursday.
This story was originally published March 19, 2020 at 10:56 AM.