Ford government launches new homeschooling program amid coronavirus pandemic

A new program to help students who are quarantined throughout the coronavirus pandemic will be launched in Ontario by the Ford government. The program, entitled, “Learn at Home” will help keep students on track while stuck at home.

The announcement was made by premier Ford and education minister Stephen Lecce alongside health minister Christine Elliott on Friday at Queen’s Park according to Global News.

The Learn at Home projects aims to provide both math and literacy content created by Ontario educators and will be available in both English and French.

Health minister Lecce used the speaking opportunity to assure students who were supposed to graduate this spring that their plans won’t be compromised. Working with universities and colleges, the minister said that there is “a continued application process that doesn’t get delayed,”

Ford touched on the issue as well saying, “As a father myself, I know parents always want the best for their children, and I also know from speaking to parents that many are concerned that their child is going to fall behind while schools are closed during this difficult period,”

“To support families and students, our government has developed a one-stop spot for at-home learning. It doesn’t replace school, but offers a great alternative as we approach the end of March break.”

All publicly-funded schools across Ontario were effectively closed on March 12, and things are predicted to remain that way until at least April 6. This hiatus leaves over two million students without a classroom.

Lecce said in terms of the closures being extended, he and Elliott are in constant contact with Ontario health officials and awaiting their recommendations.

In the meantime all EQAO testing has been cancelled.

Lecce explained that, “Elementary resources are designed to help young students learn at home with interactive activities that encourage participation through entertaining and stimulating digital content,”

“High school content was designed with a focus on STEM courses and ensure core competencies and skills are reinforced.”

The government also said “work is underway” to get them the necessary technology needed for any students who may not have access to a computer.

Broadcast channels TVO and TFO are also cooperating with the provincial government to create “robust education programming,” beginning as early as Monday as the students would normally return to school after March Break.

At this present time there are 301 active cases of coronavirus in Ontario with five cases being resolved thus far and two deaths.

The Learn at Home program will offer easy access to online learning resources for students from kindergarten to grade 12 that has been produced by Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) Educators.