{"id":114619,"date":"2021-02-12T21:35:34","date_gmt":"2021-02-13T05:35:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/69.46.6.243\/?p=114619"},"modified":"2021-02-12T21:35:34","modified_gmt":"2021-02-13T05:35:34","slug":"u-s-department-of-education-covid-19-handbook-volume-1-strategies-for-safely-reopening-elementary-and-secondary-schools","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.thepinetree.net\/?p=114619","title":{"rendered":"U.S. Department of Education COVID-19 Handbook Volume 1: Strategies for Safely Reopening Elementary and Secondary Schools"},"content":{"rendered":"

Atlanta, CA…To reopen safely during the COVID-19 pandemic and maximize the amount of in-person instruction, schools need sufficient resources as well as adhered-to, strong state and local public health measures. Extraordinary efforts by states, districts, and schools have been underway to support students throughout the pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Education (ED) are providing recommendations and considerations based on the most recent scientific evidence to support school and district leaders and educators in meeting these ever evolving, significant challenges.<\/p>\n

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Consistent implementation\u00a0of\u00a0mitigation strategies\u00a0during all school-related activities is critical for reopening schools \u2013 and keeping them open. To that end,\u00a0ED is releasing the\u00a0COVID-19 Handbook<\/a>, which provides strategies to do this and\u00a0also identifies ways to promote equity for communities of color and people with disabilities\/chronic conditions who have borne a disproportionate burden of illness and serious outcomes from COVID-19.\u00a0The\u00a0ED\u00a0COVID-19 Handbook<\/a>\u00a0will support the education community with implementation guidance, strategies,\u00a0and considerations\u00a0to help reopen schools\u00a0safely.\u00a0The handbook is being released in two volumes.<\/p>\n

First Volume of the ED COVID-19 Handbook<\/p>\n

The first volume supplements\u00a0CDC’s Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools through Phased Mitigation<\/a>. ED’s handbook provides practical examples and roadmaps to provide educators and staff with the tools they need to implement CDC’s recommended safe practices for in-person learning. Highlights include:<\/p>\n

Masking Practices<\/p>\n

The handbook provides applicable 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. The handbook guides educators through working with students with disabilities who cannot wear a mask or safely wear a mask, consistent with CDC guidelines.<\/p>\n

Physical Distancing Practices<\/p>\n

The ED handbook details a variety of practical ways that educators and schools can practice physical distancing to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including:<\/p>\n