- The government has decided to extend the possibility for the schools to be able to conduct distance learning next school year as well and to provide teaching at other times than during regular school hours.
- “Effects on students’ learning will probably need to be addressed over a longer period of time,” according to the government.
- When the spread of infection improves, the regulation can be changed.
– The Government’s assessment is that a longer period will be needed to ensure that those students who need more teaching or teaching at a different time or at a different time than usual can also receive it, says Minister of Education Anna Ekström.
– It may also be necessary for a longer period of time when you may need to have continued distance education in certain parts. Last but not least, it may be necessary later on to be able to move lessons from one semester to another.
That was last spring as the government decided on an ordinance that makes it possible for school principals, ie municipalities or independent school companies, to switch to distance education. The ordinance also made it possible to place teaching at other times than usual, for example on holidays or to move certain subjects to other year groups. Other changes in the teaching so that the students have time to get the teaching they need will also be possible.
This ordinance would apply until this summer, but now the government has decided to extend it so that it also applies during the next academic year. Effects on student learning will likely need to be addressed over a longer period of time, according to the government.
According to Anna Ekström The principals have not so far used this opportunity to, for example, have teaching on leave to any great extent, but she believes that it may be relevant in the future.
– It is worth remembering that the students have gone to school during three very different semesters and my assessment is that this opportunity may be needed to provide continued more support to the students in the coming years as well, says Anna Ekström.
How big do you think the loss of knowledge risks being?
– I know that students have to fight harder with school now than usual, but if it leads to loss of knowledge, we do not yet know. We will see when the grades come this spring in what way the pandemic has affected the grades.
The opportunity to conduct distance learning will thus also continue during the next academic year, as long as the spread of infection makes it necessary. At the same time, Anna Ekström urges schools to do everything they can to reduce the risk of infection spreading in schools so that they can be open as much as possible:
– I know that many principals have put in a lot of work, but I also get signals from unions and students that it needs to be done even more. My call to the principals is to make another retake to see if there is more you can do to reduce the spread of infection in schools, says Minister of Education Anna Ekström.