Biden’s K12 Department of Education COVID-19 Handbook
Department released a COVID-19 Handbook, with implementation guidance, strategies, and considerations for the education community. The handbook is being released in two volumes.
The first volume supplements CDC’s operational strategy with practical examples and roadmaps for educators and staff to implement CDC’s recommended safe practices for in-person learning — archived presentation.
Highlights include:
· Masking Practices. The handbook has strategies to promote universal and correct use of masks in schools by utilizing signage and school announcements to remind students and staff how to use masks. It also guides educators through working with students with disabilities who cannot safely wear a mask (consistent with CDC guidelines).
· Physical Distancing Practices. The handbook details a variety of practical ways that educators and schools can practice physical distancing, from grouping students into a pod that stays together all day (including for lunch and recess) with their core teacher and using auditoriums and cafeterias for classes to staggering the use of communal spaces and reconfiguring bell schedules to minimize foot traffic. For transportation to school, it outlines seating one student per row and assigning each rider to a seat that is the same very day.
· Effective Stakeholder Engagement. A successful school reopening strategy requires engaging the entire school community to promote actions that will lead to a safe learning environment for students, educators, and staff. The handbook lays out a roadmap for who should be at the table and suggests ways that school leaders and educators can conduct individual outreach activities and use surveys and virtual town halls to engage the community.
The second volume, to be released in the coming weeks,
These strategies will be tailored around the following topics:
- meeting the social, emotional, mental health, and academic needs of students;
- supporting educator and school staff well-being;
- addressing lost instructional time for students;
- stabilizing a diverse and qualified educator workforce;
- ensuring equitable access to broadband and the devices needed to participate in remote learning;
- supporting the effective use of technology for in-person learning and periodic shifting to remote learning;
- providing school nutrition, regardless of the educational setting;
- providing all students with access to a safe and inclusive learning environment;
- extending learning time;
- addressing resource inequalities to provide all students with the educational opportunities they need to succeed, including access to a well-rounded education (such as advanced courses, the arts, and music), quality educators, and integrated student support services; and
- using data to inform students, educators, and families about progress and areas requiring support.
The Department welcomes input on Volume I, as well as the topics for Volume II, at Re**********@**.gov.