Montana education leaders are recommending school districts in the state to extend distance learning through the end of the school year and not hold large in-person graduation ceremonies.
The recommendations come in a letter sent by the Office of Public Instruction, the Board of Public Education and the Montana Public Education Center to county and district superintendents.
Governor Steve Bullock's stay-at-home order and school closures are currently scheduled to run through Friday April 24th. However, the Governor could extend those orders based on advice from public health experts.
The letter sent by state education leaders cites national health authority recommendations that social distancing guidelines be in place through May and possibly into the summer.
According to the letter, the recommendations on extending distance learning and for holding graduation alternatives, or postponing them until later in the year, aim to provide guidance for planning the remainder of the academic year and for ensuring student achievements are recognized.