Walz highlights summer learning plan, urges lawmakers to pass it

Thursday, Gov. Tim Walz called on the Minnesota Legislature to quickly pass his summer learning package.

The governor said the $150 million plan would ensure schools have the support they need to help students recover from COVID-19, and would help address opportunity gaps and expand summer learning opportunities.

Walz said lawmakers need to pass the legislation by April 15 in order for schools to have time to plan for summer learning.

"After a year of unprecedented challenges for our students, families, and educators, there is an urgent need for action," Walz said. "The learning disruptions caused by COVID-19 have impacted every single student across Minnesota. I call on our Legislature to come together and pass the summer learning plan to help ensure our students aren’t left behind."

"The last year has been very difficult for our students, our families, our educators, our school support staff and our communities at large," Minnesota Department of Education Deputy Commissioner Heather Mueller said.

"When we have the opportunity to return to an in-person learning that is consistent … we know that summer is going to be an integral part of what we’re going to do to be able to help our students," Mueller added.

As for whether students will be in classrooms in the summer, Mueller said it will depend on each family’s vaccination situation and needs but that’s the plan.

"Our goal is to have as much in-person learning as possible," Mueller said, adding that some students may require distance learning and accommodations will be made for those students.

The governor sent his letter requesting quick action on the summer learning package last month.