Our Recommendations

• Consider plans for short- and long-term closures.
• Distribute information about coronavirus, along with prevention, testing, and treatment measures, from local health departments to your community.
• Review and activate existing infectious disease protocols.
• Follow the CDC’s Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs and monitor for updates.
• Activate any existing academic continuity plans for remote or distance learning.
• Prepare self-directed learning activities for learners according to their zone of proximal development.
  • Prepare hard-copy packets and/or digital devices for pick-up with appropriate social distancing protocols.
  • Upload digital content and open access to reference materials to support learning.
  • Enable teacher check-ins with students via phone, email, and the web.
  • Enable teachers to record audio and video of subject matter content.
• Develop an equity response plan to ensure learning continues for:
  • Students with disabilities and special needs
  • Students who live on low incomes, are homeless, do not have access to technology, and are food insecure (Expect that as the economic consequences of COVID-19 unfold, the number of students in these categories may increase.)
  • Students who are learning English
  • Students who migrate
• Communicate frequently with educators and staff and enable continued professional learning during self-quarantine.
• Connect with trusted community partners to support continuity of learning and to connect families with other services they might need during the pandemic.
• Consult local education agencies or the U.S. Department of Education for guidance or waivers from accountability and assessment mandates, as needed.
• Convene a task force of educators, community leaders, parents, and students to plan for long-term anytime, anywhere learning innovations.