All K-12 Pennsylvania schools will remain closed until further notice because of theCOVID-19 pandemic, and schools will be putting distance learning plans in place for an indefinite period of time. Governor Tom Wolf’s March 29, 2020 announcement has extended the school closure he issued the previous week that was to be in place through at least April 6th.

Many school districts are anticipating the need to plan to be closed for the remainder of the school year and are looking to the PA Department of Education (PDE) for help and guidance. Although PDE cannot legally require school districts to teach during the closure, it is strongly encouraging teachers to continue educating students either through mandatory instruction or on a voluntary basis that is considered to be enrichment.

An important consideration in planning instruction is providing special education to students with IEPs. According to Governor Wolf, “[The state is] working on a plan to make sure we have a way to provide an education for the kids who are not getting an education for the next two months.” To that end, PA Education Secretary Pedro Rivera is also working with PA’s 29 intermediate units that provide special services to districts.

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