The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) has released “Ready Schools, Safe Learners,” the initial guidance for how school districts will develop an operational blueprint for the 2020-21 school year. The blueprint will evolve throughout the year based on school district, public health and community feedback, as well as incorporate new health and safety guidance to adapt to the COVID-19 situation as it changes.
The initial guidance, which will be updated through the months ahead, provides districts the flexibility to develop a local blueprint for safely starting school next year.
Recognizing that COVID-19 will likely continue to pose a public health risk that varies by community, the blueprint instructs districts to develop a fluid back-to-school plan that utilizes a mix of on-site and distance learning options to protect the safety of students, staff, and families.
The district will also develop communicable disease management plans and contingency plans in the event of COVID-19 outbreaks––including returns to fully distance learning and modified school year calendars as necessary.
For the 2020-21 school year, each school will work under the direction of the district to develop a tailored Operational Blueprint for Reentry.
Each Operational Blueprint for Reentry must address eight essential elements including Public Health Protocols, Equity, Instruction, and Family and Community Engagement.
Prior to the beginning of the school year, the district’s Operational Blueprint for Reentry will be reviewed by the McMinnville School Board and made available to the community on the district website. The blueprints will require that every school, under direction of the district, determine whether they teach all students on-site, teach all students through distance learning or utilize a hybrid model.
To read the ODE guidance, click here.
10 June, 2020