Indiana’s schools will remain closed until the end of the school year. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jennifer McCormick made the announcement during a press conference Thursday.
“All K-12 schools in Indiana shall provide instruction via remote learning for the remainder of the ‘19-‘20 school year,” McCormick said. “Schools shall not conduct in-person instruction for the remainder of the year, and school buildings shall remain closed, unless it was stipulated in earlier executive orders for purposes that are defined.”
Governor Eric Holcomb officially made the change in an executive order Thursday. Schools have already been allowed to reduce the number of school days this year to 160, but it could end up being fewer than that, as long as there are at least 20 remote learning days between now and the end of the school year. Schools will have to submit a continuous learning plan to the state by April 17.
McCormick also announced adjustments to the graduation requirements for high school seniors. “For the Class of 2020, you will be required to have earned your credits, and any course that you are enrolled in will count toward that,” she explained. “So if you have earned your credits up to semester seven or in middle school and are enrolled in courses that will get you across that stage, you will be recognized as a 2020 graduate at the conclusion of your instructional year.” Students in lower grades will still have to complete all required classes to graduate in future years.
The governor’s executive order also extends expiring teacher licenses to September 1. McCormick notes that students and their families will get further guidance from their local schools.
