Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran on the New CDC Guidelines Regarding Schools
February 12, 2012 — In a statement released today, Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran commented on the new pandemic-related guidance for schools released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Since Summer 2020, Florida school districts, superintendents, public charter schools, private schools, educators, students and families have worked hard and have done an incredible job ensuring Florida students can continue to receive a world class education in-person, every day. CDC guidance is informative, although Florida school districts, public charter schools, and private schools should stay the course they began in Summer 2020…districts and public charter schools should proceed with their Spring 2021 plans that were built on their successful fall 2020 reopening plans, continue to follow the Florida re-opening guidance and feel secure in the financial and educational modality flexibilities assured to them through both DOE emergency orders 06 and 07.
On Monday, July 6, 2020, the Florida Department of Education issued an Emergency Order outlining the reopening of district-run and charter schools this fall with face-to-face instruction.
Click here to access a recording of the informative webinar that outlines reopening plan requirements.
Highlights from the order:
- Reopening requirements:
a. All schools open
b. Full panoply of services
c. Progress monitoring
d. Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners
e. Equitable school flexibility (traditional public, public charter and private)
- Charter schools ARE required to submit a reopening plan to their district before July 31, 2020. Check with your district for the specific deadline.
- School districts must extend the same flexibility in instructional methods to every charter school that submits a reopening plan to the sponsoring district addressing the requirements set forth in this Order. Charter schools with an approved reopening plan are authorized to exercise this flexibility provided in this Order.
- The innovative learning plan must meet assurances (number 1-5) as outlined in the webinar as well as outline progress monitoring models.
- Districts must submit their reopening plan to FDOE by July 31, 2020.
- Districts and schools that wish to open as usual do NOT need to submit a plan
- School districts and charter school governing boards must provide the full array of services that are required by law so that families who wish to educate their children in a brick and mortar school have the opportunity to do so.
- Robust progress monitoring must be extended to all students at district and charter schools and must be shared with FDOE regularly.
- Local health orders may restrict the opening of school facilities. If that the case, districts and charter schools must work with FDOE to develop the next steps.
- The Florida Department of Education is developing a template that districts can use to submit their reopening plans. Expect that out by July 9, 2020.
- As of July 6, the state is not seeking waivers to postpone FSA or other state assessments.
- A group or alliance of charter schools may submit one plan to the district for approval on behalf of a group of schools.
- The need for protective supplies and other plans for maintaining social distancing is a local decision. The Department recommends developing a plan that’s comprehensive, flexible, and meets local requirements.
Access the Emergency Order here: DOE EO 2020-EO-06_July 6 2020
FLDOE’s Reopening K12 Schools FOLLOW UP Webinar – July 7, 2020
If you missed the Tuesday, July 7th presentation with Chancellor Oliva, Dr. Graham and others from the Florida Department of Education, click here to access that recorded webinar.
FDOE’s 7/8/20 Re-Opening K-12 Schools Follow-up webinar — Click here to listen to the recorded webinar that reviews plan submission details.
Guidance from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
To help you plan for the 2020-21 school year, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools — in collaboration with charter school leaders, educators, and advocates from across the country — develop a resource guide to support efforts to safely reopen schools and stay connected with students, teachers, and staff should COVID-19 force them to again close. That resource guide is available here: A Compendium of Public Resources on The Safe Reopening of Charter Schools
Use this CDC readiness and planning tool to help protect your students, staff, and communities. If you need additional information, please contact your local Health Department.