Public school teachers in the ACT will have the choice to conduct online learning from their home or classrooms, as Prime Minister Scott Morrison has raised concerns for vulnerable students and the quality of remote education.
ACT Council of Parents and Citizens Association president Kirsty McGovern-Hooley said the ACT government approach to education during the pandemic was "fair and equitable" in an incredibly challenging situation.
It was announced last week Canberra's public school students would learn remotely with a small number of hub schools staying open for students who required to attend.
However, while the council "respected" the decisions around Term 2, Ms McGovern-Hooley said the ACT and federal governments needed to present a unified front.
"There's so much confusion and debate and discussion. Parents have been through a lot in the last month," Ms McGovern-Hooley said.
"The initial communications were again complicated by the federal government."
In a move Ms McGovern-Hooley said caused more confusion for school communities, Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday posted a "message to teachers" on social media, raising concerns vulnerable students would not be able to access a quality education at home.
"We cannot allow a situation where parents are forced to choose between putting food on the table through their employment to support the kids and their kid's education," he said.
Mr Morrison was worried outcomes could be at risk if too many students were forced into distance learning.
"I'm very concerned about the quality of education that's going to be delivered to our kids this year," he told 6PR radio on Wednesday.
Education Minister Yvette Berry said remote learning for all students was the most "equitable approach".
"Over the last few weeks the ACT public schools, their teachers and support staff, have been focused on developing high quality learning programs suitable for remote delivery, and working out the best ways to meet the needs of students in the current environment," she said.
"Remote learning is being delivered by a child's usual school and teachers, who knows their students best. Teachers will continue to support the learning of their students."
Public school teachers will have the option to conduct online classes from their homes or classrooms.
Ms McGovern-Hooley said parents were also concerned about the effects the new system would have on learning, particularly for vulnerable students.
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She said many parents expected changes to learning outcomes this year but said teachers are doing everything they could with the tools at their disposal to give students the best education.
"Teachers are really trying to stretch where they can go with this. The still have very high expectations," Ms Mcgovern-Hooley said.
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