NC board of education discusses remote learning, student grades, plans for seniors

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Parents are wrapping up another day home with their children, wondering when they’ll be able to start learning remotely.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg School officials have said they were waiting on direction from the state about remote learning.

In a two-and-a-half-hour conference call meeting, the state board of education came together Friday to approve guidance for districts on what defines remote learning, how to grade students and how to keep seniors on track to graduate.

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"Students will receive a Pass “PC19” or Withdrawal “WC19” based on their learning as of March 13 for spring courses,” the guidance statement said.

For spring courses, if a student had a passing grade as of March 13, that will be their final grade for graduation.

If a student has a failing grade as of that date for graduation requirements, districts should give opportunities from home to help the student get to a passing grade.

There are also guidelines for how teachers should grade students to make sure their needs are considered, and their grades are not negatively impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

On the legislative side, Channel 9’s Elsa Gillis spoke with Union County representative Craig Horn, who said he’s encouraged by the work of teachers and students. He addressed one of the biggest challenges we’re seeing.

“I think we’re making great progress; we’re not there yet," said Horn. “We’ve got a lot of challenges with connectivity, we’ve got a lot of challenges with digital devices for everyone. We’re going to continue to deliver where we can, and where we can’t, we have to work on that and focus extra attention and extra money to get those kids online as quickly as possible.”

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Horn co-chairs an education workgroup ties to the state COVID-19 response. While things like the school calendar and some testing issues may require legislative action, they’re trying to do as much as possible without more laws.

“We’re moving ahead with teaching and learning in our schools to the greatest extent possible,” he said.

Horn encourages parents to reach out with concerns and questions to local and state leaders.

CMS and other districts said they were only able to provide supplemental learning at this point. The district said it is awaiting further guidance from NCDPI as to the next steps.

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