Representative Nuccio Weighs in on Distance Learning

Tolland lawmaker says the legislature’s primary focus needs to be on safely getting kids back in the classroom

TOLLAND— According to State Representative Tammy Nuccio (R-53), a newly elected lawmaker from Tolland, schools should open to students to allow safe, in-person learning sooner rather than later. Nuccio is supportive of a package of legislation released by her fellow House Republicans earlier this week that are meant to provide uniform distance learning standards but believes that students are better served when they have face-to-face interaction with their peers and teachers.

Nuccio cited concerns she has with the effectiveness of the remote learning model, concerns she says are shared by parents in her district, which includes the communities of Ashford, Tolland, and Willington. “While I applaud the goals of these proposals, I believe we need to do what we can to get children back into the classroom safely,” Rep. Nuccio said.

House Republicans hope that virtual learning is temporary through the COVID pandemic but recognize that schools and the state have invested heavily into a structure that lends itself to potential use in the future. Nuccio is looking to augment the student experience by advocating for a swift and safe transition back to an in-person instruction model.

“Having in-person instruction is irreplaceable for keeping students engaged and nurturing their social development. I support having standards for virtual learning to make sure that students are really retaining the information they are getting in an online classroom,” Nuccio concluded.

The legislature’s Education Committee will be considering nuanced ways to improve the student experience. Nuccio is hopeful the committee will act favorably on legislation that get students away from their computer screens and back in their classrooms.