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Board approves virtual instruction implementation plan under Section 21f to support testing and make-up days
Summary
The board approved a virtual instruction plan that implements Section 21f of the State School Aid Act, allowing up to 15 virtual instruction days for the district primarily to support state testing and as a limited contingency for makeup days.
The Southgate Community School District Board of Education approved a virtual instruction implementation plan required under Section 21f of the State School Aid Act that allows the district to provide up to 15 virtual instruction days under an approved plan.
A district staff presenter explained the statutory basis and minimum plan elements to the board: "So under section 21 f of the state school aid act, the district can provide up to 15 days of virtual instruction, where the district has created a plan for providing virtual instruction to pupils during these days, and the plan has been approved by the board of education," the presenter said. The presentation noted required plan elements including distribution of materials, the online platform to be used and methods for teacher check-ins for each class.
Staff told the board the district intends to use virtual days narrowly, primarily for grades 6–12 during state testing windows so testing can proceed while other students engage in virtual instruction. Staff said the district used three virtual days last year for testing when juniors tested, and that the plan is intended to be limited and used sparingly. "I think last year, we used 3," the presenter said.
Board members asked whether devices would remain at home and how the district would handle severe-weather make-up days; staff said technology would be sent home only when the district knew in advance that a virtual day was required and that virtual days could be used as an alternative to extending the school year if forgiven days were exhausted.
A motion to approve the virtual implementation plan was made by Dr. Pomponio, seconded by Mr. Custer, and carried by voice vote.
The plan enables staff to schedule virtual days in advance for testing and provides an option for makeup days during prolonged closures; staff said they will limit usage and notify families in advance when devices will be sent home.
