Rep. Joe Bellino voted along with his fellow House members to give Michigan school districts the power to choose when and how they reopen schools this fall. | Facebook/Representative Joe Bellino
Rep. Joe Bellino voted along with his fellow House members to give Michigan school districts the power to choose when and how they reopen schools this fall. | Facebook/Representative Joe Bellino
State Rep. Joe Bellino and other members of the Michigan House are in favor of a plan that enables Michigan school districts to determine when and how best to open schools this fall.
“We must give our local schools flexibility to develop their own reopening plans that work best for students and teachers there,” Bellino said in a release issued on the Michigan House Republicans website. “COVID-19 has hit various parts of our state in different ways, so how our kids go back to school will look different in other parts of the state. That’s just common-sense, which this measure is all about.”
The Return to Learn plan allows school districts to begin instruction whenever they choose without obtaining a waiver to bypass the state's Labor Day start requirement.
The plan also redefines attendance from being present to being engaged in learning. This allows students the freedom to learn outside of the classroom.
Return to Learn will use benchmark assessments to help teachers inform parents of areas where the student needs additional help.
School districts will also be required to consult with their local health districts as they determine the safest way to begin extracurricular activities and sports.
“Our students must get back to school, whether that be in person or on the computer,” Bellino said in the release. “Our kids are entitled to a well-rounded education, so let’s get them back in the safest way possible.”
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