[ad_1]
“Yes, there are priority groups and it seems to me that we all understand that school is a priority area. And we will definitely do it if we get the chance. If the epidemiological situation allows it, we would give priority to beginners and graduates of secondary school, “said the minister during a press conference.
J. Šiugždinienė stressed that the Government has prepared plans for the resumption of education so that the situation “is not resolved unexpectedly”, but the specific timeframes to allow different groups to return to school will depend on the epidemiological situation and the recommendations of the government think tank.
“We trust our independent expert board, which decides on the epidemiological situation and if we will have the opportunity to return to schools from when. It will also depend on the extent of the tests,” he said.
Schools can take their time
The minister stressed that although the changes regarding the return of families at social risk and some other students to school take effect on Thursday, the municipalities were informed about these plans in December, so they had time to prepare for it.
J. Šiugždinienė claimed that an algorithm had been developed with the Ministry of Social Security and Labor on how to identify children who are more difficult to learn at a distance. Class educators and school child welfare commissions will participate in this process. They, according to the minister, will decide if the child needs help and what it should be.
“Or just help out at home, maybe join the programs, make sure there is an internet connection, and maybe invite the child to come to school and join the distance lessons safely, in a safe environment ( …) The decision of the municipal administrations – how they will organize transport at that time in schools. But it is still happening now, “said the minister.
J. Šiugždinienė recalled that some institutions are still in operation, because they must guarantee, for example, the education of the children of doctors, policemen or other employees, so the new order should not come as a surprise.
However, the minister assured that the child welfare commissions will be able to decide on the students and beyond, not necessarily from Thursday.
“We have really worked together for a long time, since December, this is not a decision that was made yesterday or today, the municipalities have reported, to coordinate these issues with them (…). It may not be necessary to organize a child welfare commission tomorrow morning, because the essence of this decision is that we look at those children, “he said.
On Wednesday, the government eased quarantine restrictions and allowed students of all classes who have difficulty learning from home to return to school. The government estimates that additional advice, motivation, or provision of equipment and the Internet will require approximately $ 25,000. approximately half of the country’s students, approximately half of them receive free meals, this should be provided by municipalities and schools.
[ad_2]
