The Greater Essex County District School Board will be using a hybrid model in its high schools next September.
Students who opt out of in-person classes will attend class via a webcam in their home schools.
The Greater Essex branch of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation is calling this an "absurd learning model."
"This is, yet again, a new learning model that secondary teachers will have to master without training or direction, and a new challenge to students who have had to regularly pivot learning models. There are mountains of evidence that suggest that this is the worst learning model, as it limits access to the professionals and supports students' need for success," said the release from the District 9 Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation.
The union is urging parents and students to contact school board trustees and ask that other options be explored.
"The secondary teachers of the GECDSB have been disappointed numerous times throughout this school year and this decision is no exception. However, this most recent decision was made with time to implement other options and so this blow feels even worse to frontline teachers after giving so much to make this school year a success," said the release.
Families will be asked to pick their learning model between July 28 and August 6, 2021.
Elementary students who choose a remote learning option will participate in a fully virtual class similar to what was offered this year.