On July 16, 2021, PDE advised school entities to follow current CDC guidance. The PDE and DOH did NOT release separate state guidance or recommendations for the start of the 2021-22 school year. Therefore, the most updated guidance is found in Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools on the CDC website. Below are some important pieces for school leaders to note. Where We Were You may … [Read more...] about COVID Prevention Strategies Remain Critical to Protect School Communities This Fall
COVID
USDOE Mandates Standardized Tests, But Does Provide Some Flexibility in Pandemic Year
On Monday, February 22, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education (“DOE”) informed states they must administer federally mandated standardized exams for the 2020-2021 school year. However, as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the DOE provided states with flexible options with respect to assessment, accountability, and reporting systems. Accountability and School Identification Waiver: The … [Read more...] about USDOE Mandates Standardized Tests, But Does Provide Some Flexibility in Pandemic Year
How Are We Doing? Special Education Services A Year Into COVID
The more things change, the more they stay the same. A year ago, students and staff in Pennsylvania schools packed up classrooms and prepared to stay home for two weeks as directed by the Governor in response to COVID-19. The closure eventually extended for the remainder of the school year. Schools worked to resume instruction via remote means and tackled the task of ensuring all students could … [Read more...] about How Are We Doing? Special Education Services A Year Into COVID
CDC Releases Guidelines and Recommendations for Returning to In-Person Instruction
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidance and recommendations today for schools getting ready to start full in-person instruction again during the pandemic. With the new administration, there has been a strong push for schools to reopen and to get children physically back into the school setting. Guidance Emphasizes Importance of Screening According to a CNN … [Read more...] about CDC Releases Guidelines and Recommendations for Returning to In-Person Instruction
