Two recent webinars hosted by the California Department of Education covered changes to independent study in adherence to Assembly Bill 130. A July 29 presentation by CDE Education Programs Consultant Elvia Gonzalez focused on requirements for the 2021–22 academic year and how new rules can […]
Category: Coronavirus
How to use American Rescue Plan funds to improve school ventilation
On July 23, the U.S. Department of Education released a resource guide, “Improving Ventilation in Schools, Colleges, and Universities to Prevent COVID-19.” With local educational agencies across the country preparing for a full return to in-person instruction for the 2021–22 school year, the document details […]
Keep classrooms open with free COVID testing program
The California Department of Public Health, through a partnership with Concentric by Ginkgo Bioworks, is providing a free, fully staffed COVID-19 pooled testing program to all K-12 public schools in the state. With the delta variant causing case numbers to rise, this tool to safeguard staff and students as they return to full, in-person […]
American Association of Pediatrics recommends universal masking in schools
Much like school-related guidance released in recent weeks from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health, updated guidance from the American Association of Pediatrics focuses on returning all students to in-person instruction safely in the 2021–22 school year. […]
Ninth Circuit upholds closure of public schools during pandemic, but finds state infringed on rights of private school students
On July 23, 2021, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a legal challenge to California’s decision to close public schools to in-person instruction and provide online distance learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the court reversed the lower court’s decision toward private […]
Vaccines and outdoor education key to reopening schools safely
Among the strategies highlighted by health and education experts during a July 29 webinar held by the California Department of Education to help local educational agencies safely return to in-person instruction, one was repeated throughout: “Vaccines, vaccines, vaccines — really important,” said Dr. Naomi Bardach, […]
California teens talk COVID-19 vaccine awareness
Eight teenagers from across California met virtually with State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and two doctors on July 21 to discuss vaccine awareness and a safe return to schools. A “quick and easy” process, Thurmond mentioned that both of his teen daughters are […]
GAO reports progress and additional changes needed to support students
The U.S. Department of Education has made progress over the last year in raising awareness of the dangers of lead in drinking water in K-12 facilities and improved cybersecurity management, but several key priority areas remain in need of attention, according to a U.S. Government […]
CDC recommends universal masking in schools in latest guidance update
As the delta variant of COVID-19 sweeps through areas of the United States with alarming speed, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on July 27 released updated guidance recommending universal masking indoors in K-12 schools — regardless of vaccination status. In addition, the CDC […]
CSBA statement on masking and independent study
California’s school districts and county offices of education are eager to welcome students back to the classroom and support efforts to return students to in-person instruction safely. CSBA recognizes that the state’s attempt to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 includes a multi-layered approach requiring that masks […]