in the afternoon. By dividing students into
two groups to attend class on alternating days
and times, it will also help schools maintain
adequate social distancing on buses.
Even with students wearing masks, pediatricians
recommend avoiding filling school buses
beyond half-capacity.
Under the new rules, students will need to
physically be in school at least two days a week
and attendance will only be counted on days
when students are scheduled to attend school
for in-person instruction.
The emergency rule will also allow remote
instruction if schools or districts have to
close because of coronavirus spread in their
community, or if a group of students needs to
isolate for 14 days.
Education Commissioner Margie Vandeven
said that even though Missouri has allocated
$10 million from the CARES Act to create
assessments to make up for COVID-19 learning
losses, it will be up to local communities to put
the pressure on school boards to create rigorous,
remote learning opportunities for students.