Norwin wants state OK to replace snow days with remote learning

When the weather outside is frightful next winter, Norwin officials want students to snuggle up to their iPads and study instead of sled riding and playing in the snow during normal school time.

The school board granted permission for the district administration to apply to the state Department of Education to implement a flexible instruction day program in the upcoming school year.

If the program is approved, Norwin could have its teachers instruct students on days when the administration determines it would be better for students to remain at home rather than travel to school in inclement weather. The flexible instruction program allows for up to five days to be counted toward the required 180 days of instruction each school year.

Norwin can participate in the program because all students will be provided a district-issued iPad for the upcoming school year, ensuring they will have access to remote lessons from home.

The district could not have offered flexible instruction days in previous years because of a lack of technology for remote learning, said Brian Carlton, board president. Students used iPads during the school year to receive remote instruction when the district was on a hybrid schedule that combined in-class instruction with virtual learning.

By having flexible instruction days, Norwin may not need to reduce the number of days scheduled for spring break or have to add days after the scheduled end of the school year, Superintendent Jeff Taylor said. Districts are expected to build make-up days into their school calendars, Taylor said.

Two career technology centers and 10 school districts in Westmoreland County, including, Jeannette, Greater Latrobe, Greensburg-Salem, Penn-Trafford and Yough, have been approved by the education department for the flexible instruction day program.

Eligibility for the program is on a year-to-year basis, the education department said.