Thousands of Chapala’s school age children are scheduled to remain at home as they “return” to classrooms on August 24, the official opening day of the 2020-21 academic term for students enrolled in local pre-school, primary, secondary and special needs institutions.
All public and private schools have temporarily suspended clases presenciales (in-person classes), to be substituted by distance learning methods in accordance with official guidelines established by state and federal education authorities. The same standards will be applied to Jalisco’s university level institutions, also resuming activities August 24, and teacher training escuelas normales that will delay the start of study programs until September.
As explained by Juan Manuel Arreola Martínez, the Chapala government’s education director, each school will have options in selecting the most appropriate distance learning method for its student body, including computer platforms, email, phone, instant messenger services and home visits by instructors. Many public schools are expected to guide their students to classroom instruction broadcast by five major television channels. Students whose academic programs require different types of laboratory work may be scheduled to attend controlled on-site sessions at their schools.
Arreola notes that Chapala is home to approximately 55 public and private learning institutions covering all teaching levels.
Enrollments for the fall term are running from August 10 to 21, Teachers will take part in training sessions between August 17 and 21.