Mundelein High may trade snow days for e-learning
The Mundelein High School board is considering allowing teachers to educate remotely when campuses are closed because of snowstorms or other emergencies.
If trustees approve the plan Tuesday night, it would be implemented immediately, spokesman Ron Girard said.
Proponents say e-learning programs can eliminate the need to add days to the end of the scheduled school year.
Additionally, Mundelein High Superintendent Kevin Myers said e-learning days will prepare students for taking online classes later in life.
Libertyville High, Vernon Hills High and Stevenson High in Lincolnshire are among the suburban schools that have embraced electronic learning.
The programs were made possible by a state law enacted this summer.
It followed a three-year, state-run pilot program in Gurnee District 56, West Chicago Community High School District 94 and Franklin Park-based Leyden High School District 212. Teachers and students used texts, online chat rooms and other electronic tools to communicate and get work done.
That's relatively easy to accomplish at Mundelein High because all students are issued Chromebook laptops for classroom and home use.
If the plan is approved, Mundelein High teachers will use email, Google Classroom and other online platforms to communicate with students on e-learning days.
Teachers will deliver assignments electronically by 9 a.m. Students will be expected to complete assignments within three days of the e-learning day.
Under the plan, teachers will be available to students via email between 7:30 a.m. and 3:25 p.m.
Students who don't have internet access at home or are ill on an e-learning day can complete assignments when they return to school.
If an emergency resulting in a campus closing also involves a widespread power outage, a traditional emergency day will be declared.
The school board is scheduled to have a public hearing on e-learning at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the district office, 1500 W. Hawley St. A regular board meeting, including a discussion and potential vote on the e-learning proposal, will follow.