Jayvon Mitchum
The Toronto District School Board has delayed the deadline for high school students to switch between in-class and online classes.
The deadline had been scheduled for Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m.
“The first deadline for secondary students to request to switch between in-person and virtual learning is on hold while the TDSB reviews the delivery model,” Ryan Bird, a school board spokesman, told Humber News in an email interview.
Elementary school students got their first opportunity to switch on Sept. 30.
“As a result, some 7,800 students opted for virtual learning, while 4,000 opted to switch to in-person learning,” CP24 reported.
Board needed to review systems
The school board didn’t comment on the reason as to why the secondary school deadline needed to be delayed, but according to Bird the board needed the extension placed so that they could review their systems and see if they could handle both sets of students.
“Staff are looking at options that will provide greater stability for students, staff and families – in both in-person and virtual learning,” Bird said.
The board will be sending an explanation discussing the change of dates and offering more information, as well, he said.
“Additional information, including instructions for students who have already switched between in-person and virtual learning, will be posted shortly,” Bird said.
Bird also mentioned earlier in September in an interview with CBC that teachers are still needed for these classes with the overall goal being 500.
Bird states that more info will be sent out to everyone involved by next week and that changes would still take effect on Nov. 23.