TORONTO - Education Minister Stephen Lecce announced a new Learn at Home program for Ontario students Friday. The program is intended to prevent learning loss as schools in the province remain closed at least through April 5.
Minister Lecce held the door open for the potential of a longer closure Friday, saying the government would make the decision based on the advice of Ontario's Chief Medical Officer. He said if schools were to remain closed past April 5, the province will roll out phase two of the Learn at Home program.
The program will be delivered online and through provincial television stations TVO and its French counterpart, TFO. It will include numerous resources in both languages in line with Ontario's K-to-12 curriculum, as well as opportunities for one-on-one tutoring through TVO for Grade 6 to 10 math.
"We know a child's education is essential to their development, and we're supporting families through this situation," Premier Doug Ford said at a Friday press conference.
Parents and students can learn more at the Learn at Home website.
Lecce encouraged students to take advantage of the resources, which he says will be teacher-led and interactive, particularly for elementary school students. However, for now, the resources - which include access to online courses for secondary students - are not mandatory, nor are they for credit.
