"A Bold and Innovative Statewide Experiment"

Published on Thursday, March 19, 2020

RIDE Statement on Distance Learning Plans 

PROVIDENCE, RI – Rhode Island Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Angélica Infante-Green has released the following statement:



“I am proud to report that all 64 of the local education agencies (LEAs) in Rhode Island have submitted their initial distance learning plans to the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE). Our team continues to review the plans and work with the LEAs as they refine and modify them on an ongoing basis. We are eager to keep our teachers teaching and our learners learning.



The plans include a broad array of options for delivering learning over the next two weeks, starting on Monday, March 23rd. They range from on-line classes and discussions to the home delivery of learning packets. Even as they revise their plans, district and school leaders are working with their teachers to ensure that they are ready to implement the plans when the first virtual bell rings on Monday.



The major challenge that our local education leaders face is ensuring access to all students, especially those who lack online options at home or have individualized education plans. Our RIDE team is working to connect local education leaders with companies that have stepped up to offer software packages, hotspot service for homes and other technical assistance.



This is a bold and innovative experiment to launch a statewide distance learning effort on short notice. Governor Raimondo has challenged us to rise to the moment, and the education community is energized to meet that challenge. We expect to learn many lessons along the way – lessons that we can share across districts in short order.



We are asking a lot of our families, our teachers and our students. But we owe it to them to fully commit to this effort. In a time of confusion and unpredictability, we want to provide the stability and certainty that school can and will happen, no matter what obstacle is put in our way. We owe it to our children and to the future of our state and nation.”