Summary of California Department of Education guidance on reopening schools includes recommended safety measures

Students, teachers and staff on campuses and school buses should wear a mask, stay 6 feet apart and have their temperature taken every day when they arrive on campus, according to a summary of California Department of Education guidance scheduled to be released tomorrow.

The two-page summary sent to education leaders Friday afternoon announced the release of the entire guidance document, “Stronger Together: A Guidebook for the Safe Reopening of California’s Public Schools,” on Monday morning.

It will offer recommendations to schools as they decide how to reopen safely next fall.

Districts have been awaiting guidance from the governor’s office and the California Department of Education, but their school boards will decide independently whether students will return to school, continue online learning or do a little of both next school year.

“We look forward to offering this guidance as a ‘how to’ as you work with your local public health experts and school communities to navigate next steps and implement the recommendations we have provided,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond in Friday’s letter. “We want to ensure sure you have the support you need as you review this guidance next week.”

The department offered no additional specifics about the plan except to say that takes in consideration the fact many districts are considering a combination of in-person instruction and distance learning. The letter promises recommendations for designing high-quality, equitable instruction for all learners while implementing social distancing on campus.

The letter also invited education leaders to a webinar at 10 a.m. Monday. A public press conference will be held on Facebook at 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. to explain the document.