Woonsocket Radio News Room

General Assembly approves bill that allows extended absences due to COVID-related interruptions

 

STATE HOUSE — The General Assembly today approved legislation introduced by Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) and Sen. Sandra Cano (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket) that addresses the unique educational challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has generated.

The bill (2022-H 7062, 2022-S 2572) would provide that in developing alternative-learning plans, consideration would be given to the unique difficulties and interruptions that many students have experienced because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID-19 significantly changed in-person learning and access to school-based services, which had a profound effect on the psychological well-being of our children,” said Representative McNamara, who chairs the House Education Committee. “This legislation would allow alternatives that may not be preferable under ordinary circumstances, such as extended breaks in study.”

Alternative learning plans include extended learning opportunities as independent study, private instruction, performing groups, internships, community service, apprenticeships, and online courses that are currently funded and available to the school department and the community

“The mental health concerns of our students have been growing,” said Senator Cano, who chairs the Senate Education Committee.  “The pandemic has brought several new mental health challenges for our kids, and we need policies that address that, such as this legislation that acknowledges pandemic-related difficulties. By supporting students’ mental health needs, we will help them come to school better prepared to learn.”

This act would also authorize the granting of extended absences from school that is not intended to be permanent, but is permitted because of the pandemic’s unique difficulties and interruptions.

The measure now moves to the governor’s office. 

 

 

Two major American cities are on edge following a pair of high-profile incidents involving federal agents. Protests have not stopped in Minneapolis since Wednesday's deadly shooting of a 37-year-old woman by an ICE agent. In Portland, ICE agents opened fire on an alleged Venezuelan gang member yesterday, sending two people to the hospital.        President Trump says Venezuela is releasing large numbers of political prisoners following the recent U.S. military operation that removed President Nicolas Maduro from power. Trump called it a "smart gesture," and said "Because of this cooperation, I have canceled the previously expected second wave of attacks."        Authorities in Iran are cutting telephone lines and internet access as severe economic conditions fuel angry protests across the country. Videos of the protests show demonstrators blocking roads and setting fires in Tehran, with some crowds calling for the removal of Iranian leader Ayatollah Khamenei.        Luigi Mangione will be back in court today. The 27-year-old man accused of fatally shooting a healthcare executive on a New York City sidewalk will be in a Manhattan courtroom for a pretrial hearing. Mangione is facing nine counts including second-degree murder, and is pleading not guilty.        A new study says people who stop taking weight-loss injections are likely to regain their weight within two years. The new research looked at the weight-loss medications such as Ozempic, and found those who take the drugs often start regaining weight within a month after stopping the shots, and that all of the user's weight loss will likely come back within two years.        Bruno Mars has released his first solo single in nearly ten years. "I Just Might" is the first single from his upcoming album "The Romantic," which comes out February 27th. It's Mars' first solo album since 2016. The 16-time Grammy winner will support the album with a major tour starting April 10th in Las Vegas.       

Old News Archives