CBE, CCSD students in Grades 7 to 12 shift to at-home learning April 19 for two weeks

CALGARY (660 NEWS) — Students from grades 7 to 12 in the Calgary Board of Education and Calgary Catholic School District will be moving back to online learning come Monday.

The shift back to at-home learning will be temporary, with the province saying the move is for the next two weeks.

The province says the move was based on four criteria that include:

  • A chronic substitute teacher shortage.
  • A significant number of students and staff in quarantine or isolation.
  • Recent requests from the board for short-term shifts for a number of their schools.
  • Substantial COVID-19 cases in the community.

 

“While everyone’s preference is to learn in school, some school boards are dealing with operational pressures due to rising COVID-19 cases in the community,” said Minister of Education Adriana LaGrange in a release. “The safety of students and staff is my top priority, which is why I am responding to the boards’ requests and respecting their autonomy. By having a clear process in place, we are giving them flexibility to move to at-home learning when necessary.”

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Schools in Airdrie and Cochrane will also be part of the shift.

RELATED: COVID-19 numbers continue to climb in Alberta schools

The province says the school boards will be in contact with students, parents, teachers, and staff with more details on the transition.

Currently, about 19 per cent of schools in Alberta have active alerts or outbreaks related to COVID-19, with nine schools in the province already temporarily learning from home.

About 27 of those schools are in Calgary, many reporting 10 or more cases of the virus.

While Dr. Deena Hinshaw didn’t hold a live COVID-19 update Wednesday, she did provide a statement regarding the shift:

“We are seeing a sharp rise in cases among school-aged Albertans, as well as those in other age groups. While this is an operational decision, I support it and ask that parents and students continue making safe choices to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Social activities outside of school can easily spread the virus, so please continue following all the health measures in place.”

Students with disabilities that are in need of specialized supports will be able to continue learning in person at school, regardless of the shift to at-home learning.

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