Editor's Note: In light of recent weather, like today's, we've received many questions about the possibility of using technology to make snow days obsolete. We posed the question to MSTA Staff Attorney, Kyle Farmer, who provided us with the following answer.
After another wonderful winter full snow and ice, some educators are thinking about ways to reduce the weather’s effect on education. One novel approached floated by some experts is the use of technology to hold classes during times of inclement weather. The plan would call for teachers to teach class via webcam and interactive technology.
Distance learning is certainly not a new concept in education, but traditionally such technology is used to provide learning experiences to students that would not normally have access to certain classes or materials. Virtual learning is also regularly used for students that cannot attend school for medical or behavioral reasons. Some students are even using virtual robots to attend classes.
The snow day issue, however, presents a few more roadblocks. First, using distance learning technology on a school-wide basis is significantly different than using it for a couple of students. There are some serious logistical concerns that would have to be overcome. A school district would also have to make sure that every teacher and every student had access to the appropriate technology and materials to fully participate in the day’s lessons.
From a legal perspective, there does not seem to be any state or federal statute that would prohibit such an arrangement. To receive state funding for a student, the district must show how many days the student “attended” class. The statute does not, however, define the word attended. This could mean that using a virtual classroom system would fulfill the statutory requirement and count as a school day for funding purposes.
The biggest legal obstacle may be equal access. While many take internet access for granted, there are plenty of students and families that do not have reliable internet access at home. Requiring students to log in to an interactive virtual classroom or be counted absent for the day would place a significant burden on families that do not have and/or cannot afford internet access. This burden almost assures parents would present legal challenges to districts that attempted to adopt such policies. School districts could certainly sidestep this argument by paying access for students, but that cost would obviously be exorbitant.
Using technology to eliminate canceling school for weather-related reasons is a wonderful goal. Unfortunately, this idea’s time just has not come yet. As internet access becomes even more prevalent the use of virtual classrooms may expand to fill this need. Today, however, we still seem to be at the mercy of Mother Nature.
By: Kyle Farmer
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