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Minister of Education says students may return to classes in September

Last Updated Jun 11, 2020 at 7:17 am MDT

EDMONTON (660 NEWS) – Alberta is working to have students back in classes by September.

During Wednesday’s provincial COVID-19 update Minister of Education Adriana LaGrange says the province has a pragmatic plan that includes three possible scenarios to get students back in class.

“It details three possibilities for student learning which will be based on the pandemic situation.”

The first scenario includes near to normal operations resume, meaning students can return to daily in school classes with some health measures.

“In the second scenario in school classes will only resume partially because of additional health requirements.”

The third scenario would continue with at-home learning.

“Based on the information we have at hand right now, we expect that students will be at school in September,” LaGrange said.

“Our goal is to get us back to normal learning as soon as possible,” she added.

Students have been conducting at-home learning since in-class sessions were suspended in March.

“Our government will make the final decision on the scenario schools will follow at the beginning of the school year by August 1st.”

LaGrange says all school boards need to be ready to transition to a different scenario if there are any changes to the COVID-19 situation.

“The reality is that the COVID-19 environment requires all of us to be flexible and nimble throughout the next school year. Everyone has a role to play to support the safe return of in-school classes and reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19,” said LaGrange.

LaGrange reiterated that the scenario will be decided by the government and each school board will not be able to pick and choose which option best suits that school.

“This process is to ensure that all our schools are adhering to the appropriate health measures for their region,” remarked LaGrange.

“However, school authorities will have the autonomy to determine how they meet the public health guidelines issued under each scenario and they will be responsible for developing their own academic calendars.”

Health guidelines have also been released as part of the re-entry plan.

WATCH: Minister of Education, Adriana LaGrange speaking on re-entry plan

For the upcoming school year, there will be certain health guidelines that everyone must follow.

This includes frequent hand washing and sanitizing before and after entering schools and classes.

Increased cleaning of surfaces at schools and on buses.

Parents will have to keep sick students’ home and family members who have symptoms will not be allowed to go to the schools.

“In scenario one which is near normal operations students and staff should when possible should practice some physical distancing as a good precaution to prevent the spread of the disease.”

If school boards have to transition to scenario two, LaGrange says stricter health measures will be in place.