In anticipation of inclement weather, a rural school in Ohio chose to use three allotted “E-Days” that assigned online coursework to students rather than using conventional snow days.
Use of E-Days is a state program that allows pre-approved schools to provide assignments via the school website in circumstances when facilities are closed, which are then accessed by snowed-in students.
Teachers submitted E-Day plans to the principal’s office on Nov. 1, and then adjusted the plans accordingly based on current course material. Teachers were also “on call” to answer questions.
Some parents were receptive to the program, saying they enjoyed helping with assignments and got a better look at what their kids are learning in the classroom.
Others complained about time-consuming nature of assignments, particularly in households with more children.
Many students reported back the length and rigor of assignments, suggesting the coursework adequately compensated for full days of instruction.