Michigan’s Department of Education sent a memo out to their districts Friday morning informing them that during the COVID-19 shutdown, their online learning will NOT count toward the required amount of instructional learning.

This came as a surprise to many educators who have shifted their curriculum to online classes.

The state’s Department of Education says schools are encouraged to offer supplemental learning opportunities to students using distance learning methods as they see fit.

Michigan law requires 180 days with 1 thousand 98 hours of instruction, and the Michigan Department of Education says they will not be granting seat time at this time.

State lawmakers are evaluating the situation, and may address it when they return to Lansing on Wednesday.