Portland-area living rooms, kitchens transform into classrooms as schools launch distance learning amid coronavirus closures
Portland mom Becky Steckler spent much of Monday trouble-shooting.
Her two children, like tens of thousands of Portland-area students, returned to class in some form this week after an extended spring break. Since all Oregon schools closed three weeks ago, Steckler's home has transformed into a classroom as families in every corner of the state including hers have had to adjust to a new normal wrought by the global coronavirus pandemic.
Gov. Kate Brown in March ordered the state's public schools to shutter until April 28 as Covid-19 spread across Oregon. As of Monday afternoon, state health officials report coronavirus has infected at least 1,132 Oregonians and killed 29.
The Oregon Department of Education anticipates Brown's closure order likely will extend through the end of the year and, in an about-face from the agency's previous guidance, advised districts across the state to adopt distance learning plans by April 13.
For families who lack internet access or don't have adequate computers or other equipment to allow all their children to connect with virtual learning opportunities, that will pose a particular challenge.
This Oregonian/OregonLive story is shared as part of a local media project to increase COVID-19 news coverage.
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