Central Florida districts weighing options for digital learning next school year

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — At least two Central Florida school districts will not offer innovative distance learning options in the fall.

Others said they are still considering their options as COVID-19 vaccination efforts continue across the state and country.

READ: Osceola County schools announce learning options for next school year

Osceola County Schools Superintendent Debra Pace said that starting in the fall, parents can choose to send their children back into the classroom or to have them learn virtually through Osceola Virtual School.

Online learning at individual schools, she said, will not be available.

READ: Florida reports 5,800 COVID-19 cases as state surpasses 10 million vaccine doses administered

Osceola County Schools said right now, 74% of students are learning face-to-face and are required to wear masks. The other 26% of students are either digital or virtual learners.

Lake County Schools also plans to dissolve its innovative option “Lake Live” in the fall.

Seminole County Public Schools said it’s planning to have a meeting in about two weeks to discuss the fall.

Brevard Public Schools said it is still discussing what to do next fall, as is Orange County Public Schools.

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The state ultimately gave districts an extension in the spring to continue offering the distance learning options.

OCPS said its LaunchED@Home will not be made available in the fall if the state does not offer another extension.