Woonsocket Radio News Room

General Assembly approves bill that allows extended absences due to COVID-related interruptions

 

STATE HOUSE — The General Assembly today approved legislation introduced by Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) and Sen. Sandra Cano (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket) that addresses the unique educational challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has generated.

The bill (2022-H 7062, 2022-S 2572) would provide that in developing alternative-learning plans, consideration would be given to the unique difficulties and interruptions that many students have experienced because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID-19 significantly changed in-person learning and access to school-based services, which had a profound effect on the psychological well-being of our children,” said Representative McNamara, who chairs the House Education Committee. “This legislation would allow alternatives that may not be preferable under ordinary circumstances, such as extended breaks in study.”

Alternative learning plans include extended learning opportunities as independent study, private instruction, performing groups, internships, community service, apprenticeships, and online courses that are currently funded and available to the school department and the community

“The mental health concerns of our students have been growing,” said Senator Cano, who chairs the Senate Education Committee.  “The pandemic has brought several new mental health challenges for our kids, and we need policies that address that, such as this legislation that acknowledges pandemic-related difficulties. By supporting students’ mental health needs, we will help them come to school better prepared to learn.”

This act would also authorize the granting of extended absences from school that is not intended to be permanent, but is permitted because of the pandemic’s unique difficulties and interruptions.

The measure now moves to the governor’s office. 

 

 

A retaliatory strike against Iran has been launched by Israel. U.S. officials confirm missiles have struck a number of locations inside Iran, with no word yet on whether there were any casualties. Several explosions were reported near an airbase in the Iranian city of Isfahan, home to a number of sites linked to Iran's nuclear program.        Former President Trump's hush money criminal trial in New York City has found its 12 jurors. Now six alternates must be selected. That process resumes later this morning.        A near miss on a runway at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport outside Washington, DC has sparked a FAA investigation. It happened Thursday morning when a plane crossed the runway as another was starting its take off. The planes - one a Southwest flight, the other JetBlue - reportedly came within just 300 feet from each other.       Taylor Swift's new album has finally dropped. "The Tortured Poets Department" is already getting praise from critics, who are calling it "wildly unguarded," a "cathartic confession" and "unapologetically dramatic."        Writers for "Sesame Street" have voted to strike. This, after the Writers Guild of America held a vote that saw all 35 writers authorize a strike if an agreement on a new contract can't be reached. The NHL's Arizona Coyotes are moving to Utah. The league's Board of Governors approved the sale of the team to Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith Thursday. The franchise will play in Salt Lake City starting next season.       

Old News Archives