We really want students to be doing the work at this time … There is going to be greater accountability and expectations for our students to be doing work at home during this remote learning period.”

Gary Reese, superintendent of schools

WESTPORT — Remote learning, perhaps a half school day’s worth each day, is coming to Westport schools and to schools around the Commonwealth, Superintendent of Schools Gary Reese announced Friday in his third weekly State of our Schools address.

From his descriptions, the program will have similarities and differences with efforts next door in Rhode Island where remote learning just completed its second week amidst increasingly positive reviews. 

In the wake of the state’s extension of the school closure, expectations for Massachusetts and Westport students are about to grow, Dr. Reese said.

“We really want students to be doing the work at this time … There is going to be greater accountability and expectations for our students to be doing work at home during this remote learning period.”

Both the state and towns are now working on strategies to put a plan in place, he said.

“This is new for the state, this is new for the schools, this is new for you as families,” he said, and will require “flexibility and compassion.”

While most of the details have yet to be finalized, the superintendent described some of what the state believes is coming.

• Students should expect what will be the equivalent of a half day of school, he said. “It’s not going to be the same experience that your children would get when they’re in school in front of a teacher … It’s going to look different.” In Rhode Island, remote learning involves the equivalent of a full school day.

• Lessons will be built on the concept of deeper learning, a “deeper understanding of concepts that have already been presented to you,” through additional reading, experiments and activities. There is not the expectation that the state “wants us introducing new material,” although over time some new material may be introduced, especially at the high school level.

• Experiences will be different for each student, he said, influenced by, among other things, varied learning abilities, family access to technology and more.

• Required number of school days … The state has decided that schools do not need to make up any days that have been cancelled due to the public health emergency “beyond what would have been the 185th school day (180 days plus five possible snow days). For Westport, then, that last day will fall on June 23.

• Special education, English language learners …  schools must continue “to provide free and appropriate education for all students, even during the school closure, “but services will look different.” Staffers will be (and may already have been) contacting families regarding access to materials and plans.

• MCAS tests … The federal government has issued to states an “initial waiver” for that testing (the state is expected to make a decision shortly.) Also to be decided by the state is what will be done about competency tests needed for graduation.

• Bullying … “We need to make sure there is no bullying or harassment related to Covid-19, Dr. Reese said. Students should know that the virus is not related to race, nationality or ethnicity. Anyone who believes a child has been bullied in this way is urged to contact the school.

• School meals … The ‘Grab and Go’ meals offered initially were discontinued once the school closure was extended. The governor’s office can provide resources for reduced price food to help families in need.

• “We recognize that technology may be an issue for some families” … The schools have already loaned out over 100 Chromebooks and are working on ways to provide wireless hot spots to help families without internet access.

• Graduation and prom — Westport is still awaiting state guidance on these events.

As the process begins, Dr. Reese suggested that families keep in mind a Goldilocks analogy.

Some families will say, ‘Stop, you’re giving us too much work, it’s overwhelming.’

Others will said, ‘Give us more, you haven’t given us enough.’

And some will say, ‘What you are providing is just right.’