Connecticut § 10-15l - l . Comprehensive audit re provision of remote learning during COVID-19 pandemic.

§ 10-15l. l . Comprehensive audit re provision of remote learning during COVID-19 pandemic.

Sec. 10-15l. Comprehensive audit re provision of remote learning during COVID-19 pandemic. (a) As used in this section:

(1) “Remote learning” means instruction by means of one or more Internet-based software platforms as part of a remote learning model; and

(2) “COVID-19” means the respiratory disease designated by the World Health Organization on February 11, 2020, as coronavirus 2019, and any related mutation thereof recognized by the World Health Organization as a communicable respiratory disease.

(b) The Department of Education shall conduct a comprehensive audit of the remote learning provided by local and regional boards of education as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic during the school years commencing July 1, 2019, and July 1, 2020. The department shall use, to the extent permissible under federal guidelines, funds received from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, P.L. 116-260, as amended from time to time, to conduct such comprehensive audit.

(c) Such comprehensive audit shall include, but need not be limited to, an examination of (1) whether and how local and regional boards of education initially provided remote learning during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on the technological capabilities or limitations at such time, (2) the curriculum used as part of remote learning and whether students were able to complete the grade level curriculums, (3) the level of preparation or training in remote learning that educators received prior to and during the provision of remote learning during such school years, including the nature of such training and whether it was offered as part of a program of professional development, pursuant to section 10-148a, or as part of an in-service training program, pursuant to section 10-220a, (4) the level of improvement, if any, of the provision of remote learning from the school year commencing July 1, 2019, to the school year commencing July 1, 2020, (5) rates of student absenteeism during the COVID-19 pandemic relative to rates of student absenteeism prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and (6) student academic performance during the COVID-19 pandemic relative to student academic performance prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

(d) Following the completion of such comprehensive audit, the department shall develop a report that uses the results of such comprehensive audit to (1) evaluate the efficacy of remote learning, and hybrid learning models, and the potential to leverage technology for teaching in other scenarios and rethinking the delivery of instruction, (2) identify a system of metrics to hold local and regional boards of education accountable for remote learning access and equity, and (3) review and make recommendations regarding ongoing public education requirements, including what defines a “school day”, by aligning technology and how remote learning may be optimally integrated into the program of study and the provision of public education.

(e) Not later than January 1, 2025, the department shall submit such comprehensive audit and report, and any recommendations for legislation, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to education, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a.

(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-2, S. 389.)

History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-2 effective June 23, 2021.