The Kentucky Department of Education released guidance Friday for school districts regarding how to restart schools for the 2020-21 year — including the consideration for three reopening models as well as four alternative learning methods.
According to the release from KDE, this early guidance serves as a starting point and is expected to evolve as new information becomes available. It will be up to each school board to make the final decision for each district. School systems have until July 31 to submit a plan.
The full guidance issued can be found here.
Reopening models
Early opening: To be considered if students are deemed at heightened risk for contracting COVID-19 later in the fall or winter while simultaneously experiencing low risk during the summer months. Under this plan, schools would be asked to open in July with an anticipated mid-year closure.
Traditional opening: To be considered if the risk of students contracting COVID-19 will remain relatively consistent throughout the school year. Under this plan, schools would be asked to open following their traditional routines and schedules.
Late opening: To be considered if the risk of students contracting COVID-19 will remain high through the summer and fall and will begin to decrease in the transition into cooler months. Under this plan, schools would be asked to open in late September or early October.
Considerations for alternative learning experiences
Scheduled rotations: The school would assign students to groups that would attend school on alternating times, days or weeks. Fewer students would be in the building during the day, and meals would be served in the classroom.
Synchronous opt-in: Parents may choose whether their children attend school in person or virtually. Instruction would be delivered synchronously to students who are at school and at home through virtual live streaming. This option requires heavy use of instructional technology, and may require greater flexibility for co-teaching or co-facilitating.
Hybrid: Students would be sorted into two groups and would alternate between periods of time in the school building and periods of time receiving synchronous instruction at home. This plan requires heavy use of educational technology.
Fully online: Students would receive instruction while at home. This model reflects the Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) that was used at the end of this year. KDE said this method may be more appropriate for students in higher grade levels who can be more self-directed.
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The Owensboro Health coronavirus hotline is available 24/7 by calling 877-888-6647. Call the hotline before seeking in-person care. More information from OH can be found here.
For the latest information and data on COVID-19 in Kentucky visit kycovid19.ky.gov or dial the Kentucky state hotline at 800-722-5725.
For the latest health guidelines and resources from the CDC, visit their website here.
