Thread by @TollyTaylor

#BREAKING: Michigan Gov. Whitmer closes K-12 schools for the remainder of the year.

The executive order sets guidelines for remote learning and ensures teachers, school employees will be paid for the remainder of the year

You can read more here

https://twitter.com/WSBT/status/1245720009466433538?s=20

#NEW: Gov. Whitmer writes in the press release: "“My number one priority right now is protecting Michigan families from the spread of COVID-19. For the sake of our students, their families, and the more than 100,000 teachers and staff in our state..."

#NEW: "...I have made the difficult decision to close our school facilities for the remainder of the school year.”

Later: "There is no video chat or homework packet that can replace the value of a highly trained, experienced teacher working with students in a classroom..."

#NEW: "...but we must continue to provide equitable educational opportunities for students during this public health crisis.”

"The Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators and the Michigan Council of Charter School Authorizers are currently developing..."

#NEW: "...a Continuity of Learning Plan template application for schools to utilize in order to create their localized plan. The application will be made available by April 3."

"Each district must have its plan approved by their regional intermediate school district..."

#NEW: "...before being implemented. Public school academies must have their plans approved by their authorizer. Districts can also partner with one another to create joint plans."

#NEW: "However they are designed, districts must ensure their plans are appropriate, equitable and accessible for students and families.

If the plan relies on some online instruction, the district should ensure every student who needs it has access to an appropriate device..."

#NEW: "...with an ability to connect to the internet. Students and families will not be penalized if they are unable to participate in their alternate learning plan."

"School districts will have the flexibility to adopt a balanced calendar for the 2019-2020 school year..."

#NEW: "...and/or to begin the 2020-2021 school year before Labor Day without having to seek additional approval. Teachers and school employees will be paid for the remainder of the school year."

#NEW: "Student teachers will still be able to get a temporary certification and current teachers will still be able to get their certifications renewed, even if they can’t meet all the requirements due to COVID-19."

"All Michigan high school seniors..."

#NEW: "...will be given the opportunity to graduate this year so that they may make a successful postsecondary transition. Additionally, all standardized tests previously scheduled for the remainder of the school year, including the M-STEP and the SAT, will be canceled."

#NEW: "There will be a date in October for rising high school seniors to take the SAT and for other high school students to take the PSAT."

#NEW: Michigan Gov. Whitmer is now speaking. Says there are 3,000 new cases in Michigan since she last spoke publicly on Monday.

I'll provide more updates below

#NEW: Gov. Whitmer says one infected person can infect another 40 people, so it's vital for people to stay home.

She officially announces that all in-person instruction for K-12 students is suspended for the rest of the year.

#NEW: Gov. Whitmer says instruction via phone, computer and printed materials must be equitable. Students and families will not be punished if they can't participate in alternate learning plan. Wants 2020 high school seniors to graduate on time.

#NEW: Gov. Whitmer says this is the best thing we can do for the health of our children and educators. It will ensure everyone can return to school in the fall. She commends teachers who are working tirelessly right now to continue teaching their students.

#NEW: Gov. Whitmer says she knows this will require creativity and problem solving, but she knows educators across the state will rise to the challenge. She says she'll do everything in her power to support them. She praises parents everywhere who are working with their kids.

#NEW: More than 1 thousand new coronavirus cases diagnosed each day in Michigan. Cases are still on the upswing state wide.

There's now evidence that even if you feel well, you could be spreading the disease to others.

#NEW: Question: How was decision reached to close schools?

Gov. Whitmer says it wasn't easy, but decision was made after talking to chief medical executive. After taking everything into consideration, it was the best decision.

#NEW: Question: With all the students out of school, what about when parents return to work?

Gov. Whitmer says Michigan is a month out from the apex of coronavirus cases, so decisions right now have to be made with best interest of kids, teachers in mind.

#NEW: Question: Legislators not necessarily ready to agree to extension of executive orders, what's your response?

Gov. Whitmer says we're no where near the end of coronavirus cases, so we have to retain every tool we can to combat the disease.

#NEW: Gov. Whitmer continues that it's not a good idea for state legislators to return to meet in person right now. Asks that legislature thinks about 70-day extension of executive order very seriously.

#NEW: Question: What does this mean for advancing kids to the next school year?

Gov. Whitmer says parents should work with their school districts. Says there will be some challenges and additional needs when school resumes in the fall.

#NEW: Question: Some districts have great online access, others don't--are you concerned about the gap created, and will you adjust standards for grades next year?

Gov. Whitmer: There's different access to resources & that's why she's been pushing an equitable funding formula

#NEW: Question: Many people are struggling to apply for unemployment across the state--any changes to the system or a task force created?

Gov. Whitmer says she wants to provide more support and has loosened application requirements. Keep trying, and we'll work to get it done

#NEW: Question: Should people be wearing masks in public?

Strongly consider it, and it won't cause any harm.

Question: Any consideration of statewide curfew?

Gov. Whitmer says not at this time. But looking at all possibilities daily

#NEW: Question: Some people are still congregating--message for them?

That's unacceptable. Everyone needs to understand how serious this is--stay home and stay safe.

#NEW: Question: What about special needs students?

Gov. Whitmer says she wants districts to provide IEPs as much as possible. Might require additional sessions after state of emergency is over. Want to live up to those IEPs.

#NEW: Question: What other options did you consider for schools?

Gov. Whitmer says there aren't a lot of other great options. Not every child has access to a device, and that's why local leadership is so crucial to provide the distance learning that they'll need.