Student learning resumes as Sask. schools remain closed

Saskatchewan’s classrooms are getting back up and running, albeit in a virtual way.

On Friday, it was announced teachers would get back to work following a “pause” in learning due to the closures of schools as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the framework has come from the provincial government, it is down to the individual school divisions to determine how best to roll that out.

Messages are now being sent out directly from teachers or principals to determine what is best for each individual student, although much of it is optional.

In most cases, the younger grades will focus on math, writing and reading development. The older elementary grades may get other subjects offered where possible and practical.

The teachers will provide supplementary support and work depending on the situation for the student and families.

Many Saskatchewan families are dealing with a parent working from home or still going to work, especially if they are an essential service.

Much of the work will be done through apps and programs used in the classroom regularly like SeeSaw, Epic, Mathletics and Raz Kids among others.

For those in high school, some school divisions are offering a more individual approach that is based on two options; freeze or improve.

Under the freeze scenario, the student will receive the grade earned at the time the schools were closed.

Those looking to improve can send in any unfinished work previously assigned between a certain date and when schools closed. The grade will then be amended based on that work.

Other divisions are providing supplementary work to continue learning rather than changing the grade.

When schools were closed, the provincial government announced all students will progress to the next grade.

Parents should expect to hear directly from their child’s school in the coming week.