Do you have to make up school days missed for state of emergency?

Whether or not students have to make up school days missed due to a state of emergency can vary depending on several factors, including region- or district-specific policies, the duration and severity of the emergency, and the impact of the missed school days on student learning. While some states and school districts may require students to make up the lost instructional time, others may decide not to in certain circumstances. The following are some considerations and factors that influence the decision:

State and Local Policies: Some states or local education agencies have defined policies and regulations that address how to handle school days missed due to emergencies or exceptional circumstances. These policies may specify whether and how students need to make up for missed school days.

Duration and Impact of the Emergency:

- Short-Term Emergencies: If the state of emergency is relatively brief, and its impact on schooling is limited, school districts may not require students to make up the missed days, considering it a temporary disruption that does not significantly affect learning outcomes.

- Long-Term Emergencies: In cases where the state of emergency is prolonged, and the disruption to education is significant, school districts may require students to make up the lost instructional time. This can be especially important if students have missed crucial content or assessments.

Instructional Alternatives:

- Virtual or Remote Learning: If online or remote learning options were feasible during the state of emergency, and access to technology was not a significant barrier, school districts may count these days as instructional days. This way, students can continue learning and progress without the need for additional makeup days.

- Alternative Learning Options: School districts may provide alternative learning opportunities for students to cover missed content or demonstrate their mastery over the affected material, regardless of whether they were learning remotely.

Assessment of Learning:

- Low Impact on Learning: If teachers assess that students have not fallen behind significantly despite the missed days, school districts may opt not to require makeup days, trusting in the effectiveness of ongoing instruction to address any learning gaps.

- Significant Impact on Learning: If assessments show that students have not acquired crucial knowledge or skills due to the missed days, school districts might need to incorporate makeup days to ensure students meet expected learning benchmarks.

Resources and Feasibility:

- Personnel and Budget: School districts need to consider the availability of resources, such as additional staff, funding, or facilities, to accommodate makeup days or alternative learning options.

- Student Well-Being: If the state of emergency has significantly affected students' well-being, emotions, or ability to focus, school districts may prioritize their mental health and emotional support before mandating makeup days.

- Equity and Accessibility: School districts must ensure that any measures taken to address missed days do not disproportionately disadvantage certain student groups or exacerbate equity gaps.

In conclusion, the decision of whether or not students have to make up school days missed due to a state of emergency involves carefully weighing various factors, including state and local policies, the nature of the emergency, its impact on learning, and the availability of alternative learning options. School districts strive to find a balance that ensures students receive the necessary education without placing undue burdens on students, families, and educators.