March 12, 2020

Rep. Joseph M. McNamara, (401) 742-5297

Rep. McNamara lauds education commissioner for ordering remote learning protocols

STATE HOUSE — Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston), chairman of the House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare, is praising Commissioner of Education Angélica M. Infante-Green for ordering school districts to develop a remote-learning instruction plan.

Representative McNamara had called for the Department of Education to establish remote learning protocols last week, writing, “With the possibility that the coronavirus (COVID-19) could disrupt school based learning, emergency remote learning approval may allow for the continuation of education for our students. I believe it would also be helpful if the Rhode Island Department of Education could advise local school districts of best practices in remote learning and possible model programs.”

Commissioner Infante-Green has instructed school districts to submit the plans by the end of the day on Thursday, March 19. The department will review the plans and make suggestions to school districts to ensure that students continue to learn.

“I’m delighted that the commissioner has taken these steps to establish remote learning,” said Representative McNamara. “Nothing replaces the one-on-one interaction between teacher and student, but at least we can have options in place during emergencies where children have to stay at home.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the first confirmed case of the virus in Rhode Island on Tuesday. Coronavirus is known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. CORVID-19 is particularly troubling because it is very transmissible and has a 1 to 2 percent mortality rate.

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