The Philadelphia school district this week is expected to outline its phased-in plan for students to return to classes in person.
Superintendent William Hite will announce on Thursday when and how Philadelphia students will physically go back to their classrooms for the first time since March. The first marking period ends Nov. 17 and Hite has said the phase-in will begin after that, with some students in school two days a week, while others continue remote classes.
“We will phase in students slowly and responsibly, starting with student groups who will benefit most from in-person learning,” Hite told reporters.
Hite says parents may choose whether their children will return to school buildings, or continue with virtual classes.
“Regardless of which option parents choose, we are planning for students to remain with their current teachers,” he said.
Hite said classrooms are being wired to allow teachers to conduct in-person and online instruction at the same time.
“We will be equipping all classrooms and all teachers with technology they can use,” Hite said. “If in fact they’re in front of their students in the classroom, the technology could simultaneously broadcast what’s happening in the class to children who are logging in from home.”
Hite cautioned that because of the unpredictability of the coronavirus pandemic, the back-to-school plan is subject to change.