East Twin Cities

Two Minnesota House of Representatives are recommending Minnesota school districts be allowed to create individual back-to-school plans to fit their students, families and communities.

This recommendation comes after Gov. Tim Walz signaled toward implementing a hybrid-learning model this fall, alternating in-school learning and digital distance learning.

“This hybrid approach is one option, but there is no one-size-fits-all approach that will work for every school in Minnesota,” said Reps. Ron Kresha and Sondra Erickson to the Star Tribune. “Gov. Walz is too far removed from our local school districts to create an effective policy that fits each school district. Our local school officials are in the best position to bring students back safely. They know best how to reach their students, and we need to trust their decisions and be prepared to help when situations arise.”

Kresha and Erickson pointed to school districts that have been unsuccessful in converting traditional curriculum to an online learning system.

“While distance learning is an opportunity for innovation in education, we need to acknowledge that education still relies on interpersonal relationships. Students come from varied backgrounds with unique challenges,” they said to Star Tribune. “With distance learning, there have been cases where gains in reading and math have dropped below 50%.”

One challenge families will face, according to Kresha and Erickson, is the lack of broadband within rural areas to be able to support a hybrid model.

“The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) does not limit distance learning to online learning, but practical realities do. To pretend distance learning can be effective in areas of the state unserved by broadband is unrealistic,” they said to the Star Tribune.

Kresha and Erickson said nontraditional systems such as online learning and homeschooling are less successful when mandated, asserting that they should be options chosen only by the parents.

“Even a well-organized hybrid model will be chaotic and disruptive for students and family, unless the system is designed by all education partners, including parents,” they said to the Star Tribune. “In certain situations, based on local public health conditions, distance-learning or a hybrid model might be the most appropriate options. These determinations, however, should remain with local school leaders involving input from the community.”

Kresha and Erickson said the lack of practical application by local officials fails to lead the reopening of school districts through unprecedented circumstances.

“Our schools should be preparing for students to return to campus this fall as they are currently scheduled on the calendar. When appropriate, schools can pivot to alternative approaches,” Kresha and Erickson said to the Star Tribune. “Waiting until late July for a decision prolongs uncertainty and puts schools and parents in an impossible situation.”