CA Govt. Schools Re-Opening Guidelines Written by Health Officials

The State Superintendent of Instruction and the California Department of Education just published guidelines for re-opening government schools. The first 11 pages are “health and safety” guidelines. It isn’t until page 12 that classroom instruction is even discussed. Even then, the “guidelines” mostly present questions to consider. There is one paragraph on California’s curriculum frameworks.

By page 17, the “guidelines” move into “social and emotional learning.”

“When educators and students practice physical distancing at school or through distance learning, it does not mean they must lose social and school connections.”

And, they continue to propagate the COVID “spike” lie and the chance of another lockdown: “As the possibility of a virus resurgence exists, so does the possibility of alternating between virtual learning and in-person classroom activities.”

Nowhere in the 44 pages of guidelines are team sports addressed.

A few select Guidelines:

• “This guidance is also informed by the technical assistance and advice of many health and safety organizations including the Centers for Disease Control, California Department of Public Health, California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, and the many health officers from counties around our state.”
• “We gathered additional input from focus group conversations with teachers, classified staff, child care providers, superintendents, and public health officials. Important voices were heard during virtual support circles with educators, parents, and students. And additional insight came from consultation with state superintendents, researchers, and experts from throughout the nation.”
• “What has been highlighted during this pandemic is the importance of paying attention to the social–emotional well-being of our students, families, and staff. We encourage all LEAs to keep the emotional well-being of all at the forefront of their decision making.

Campus Access. “Develop a plan to minimize access to campus, and limit nonessential visitors, facility use permits, and volunteers.” (Sounds like the COVID nursing home rules).

• Limit access to campus for parents and other visitors.

Protective Equipment.

• Plan to address protective equipment needs to ensure personal health and safety in school facilities and vehicles.
• a. According to CDC guidance:
• i. Training and information should be provided to staff and students on proper use, removal, and washing of cloth face coverings.
• ii. Face coverings are not recommended for anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the covering without assistance. LEAs should make reasonable accommodations such as a face shield with a cloth drape for those who are unable to wear face coverings for medical reasons. Per Cal/OSHA, considerations for face shields should include a cloth drape attached across the bottom and tucked into shirt. HEALTH AND SAFETY 6
• iii. Cloth face coverings are meant to protect other people in case the wearer is unknowingly infected (many people carry COVID-19 but do not have symptoms). Cloth face coverings are not surgical masks, respirators, or personal protective equipment.

“As recommended by the CDC, all staff should wear face coverings. Per CDPH guidance, teachers could use face shields, which enable students to see their faces and to avoid potential barriers to phonological instruction.”

“Students should use cloth face coverings, especially in circumstances when physical distancing cannot be maintained. If an LEA requires students to wear face coverings, then the LEA must provide face coverings to be used. Consider how the LEA will address students with disabilities who refuse or are not able to wear masks. At a minimum, face coverings should be worn:”

1. While waiting to enter the school campus.

2. While on school grounds (except when eating or drinking).

3. While leaving school.

4. While on a school bus. A. Driver has access to surplus masks to provide to students who are symptomatic on the bus.

“Plan to limit the number of people in all campus spaces to the number that can be reasonably accommodated while maintaining a minimum of 6 feet of distance between individuals.”

“Limit number of students physically reporting to school, if needed to maintain physical distancing.”

1. Determine student and staff capacity of each school meeting 6-foot physical distancing objectives.

2. Consider various strategies outlined in the Instructional Program Models in the guidance document, such as early/late start times and blended learning models.

Playgrounds/Outside Spaces/Athletics

1. Increase supervision to ensure physical distancing.

2. Physical education (PE) and intramural/interscholastic athletics should be limited to activities that do not involve physical contact with other students or equipment until advised otherwise by state/local public health officials

Social and Emotional Learning Guidelines

“The CDE is committed to helping educators learn more about SEL and how to infuse social and emotional supports into every child’s school experience. The CDE convened a group of experts from different sectors of the education system to advise the best ways to support SEL implementation. The team developed California’s Social and Emotional Learning Guiding Principles (full version and summary) and a social and emotional learning resource guide.

Read the California Department of Education guidelines for yourself – you will be dumber for it.