Arizona education department answers FAQs on reopening of schools

PHOENIX — Arizona leaders provided some clarity Thursday about what the academic year will look like across the state amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order outlining that a plan developed by the Arizona Department of Health Services will aim to provide guidance for in-person learning for the 2020-21 academic year.

Details of the Arizona: Open For Learning plan were to be released by Aug. 7, per Ducey’s order.

Tucked in the order were other details and expectations for Arizona schools pertaining to the upcoming year.

The Arizona Department of Education answered some questions regarding the order.

Here is a sampling of the questions and answers, some of which have been edited for clarity:

Q: When and who will provide school districts and charter schools health benchmarks for resuming in-person, teacher-led classroom instruction?

A: ADHS is required to develop health benchmarks for resuming in-person, teacher-led classroom instruction by Aug. 7. School districts and charters should consider these health benchmarks/metrics, along with guidance from county health officials, to determine when in-person, teacher-led instruction can resume safely.

Q: Does Ducey’s executive order provide continuity of pay for school employees, including hourly employees, during school building closures?

A: Yes, Arizona’s public schools may continue to pay their employees, including hourly employees, during school building closure periods. To ensure continuity of pay:
• The public school has sufficient revenues to continue such payments due to school building closures and the school’s governing board has determined such payments are necessary pursuant to EO 2020-51.
• The employee remains committed and available to work during the employee’s normal work hours during periods of school building closures, whether the work is to be performed is person or remotely.

Q: How does the free onsite learning requirement differ from in-person, teacher-led instruction? What is the purpose of this requirement?

A: Free onsite learning and support services include but are not limited to student supervision, strategic support, or teacher-led/paraprofessional support for students participating in distance learning. Teacher-led classroom instruction is NOT required to be provided in-person as the students will still be participating in distance learning. The purpose of this requirement is to offer a safe space for students who need a place to go during the day whether it be for internet access or personal reasons. Schools may develop procedures to ensure the number of students present in a facility meets recommendations for physical distancing and other mitigation strategies outlined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Q: Do local education agencies (LEAs) have to provide free onsite learning support services at each of their school facilities?

A: No, LEAs with multiple school buildings can choose to open one of its buildings to meet this requirement. An LEA may also opt to partner with community-based organizations (e.g., Boys and Girls Club) to provide these support services for students who may need them.

Q: Under what circumstances are school districts and charters eligible to receive the free onsite learning waiver?

A: School districts and charter schools are eligible to apply to the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) for the free onsite learning waiver if both the local county health department and ADHS determine the entire school district or charter school must close due to an outbreak of the virus or a tribal sovereign nation issues a “stay at home” order. Knowing the challenges of containing this virus and that each school community can be affected differently, this waiver provides flexibility for school leaders to make smart decisions for their school communities in accordance to the recommendations of the local county health department.

Related

Phase 1 of massive industrial project planned near TSMC campus in North PhoenixWoman dead after firing at officers, barricading herself inside Casa Grande homeDowntown Mesa to leave monsoon themed ‘Cloud Citation’ on windshieldsNovus Innovation Corridor to expand with new hotel on ASU’s Tempe campusChandler economic development director started career chasing water in the desert‘I’ll remain true to my principles’: John Giles says joining Katie Hobbs matches conservative values