How do you plan to bring students and staff back to physical school buildings, particularly if you still need social distancing in place?
Do our families have a robust enough infrastructure and support system to continue to be successful when students are learning at home?
How will we ensure there are adequate supports for Special Education, EL, etc in these models?
Do the school buildings and infrastructure support the schedule(s) you are considering?
In reviewing current guidance social distancing in schools it is possible that all students may not be able to return to school at one time. In that event we have some example models that will allow students to attend school on a rotating basis with a blend of remote and on-site learning.
Possible Models
A/B Days on five or six day schedule
A/B/C Days on five or six day schedule
AA/BB Friday virtual day - intervention/related services (Possibly ½ day)
AA/Virtual Wednesday/BB
The group did explore AM/PM schedules but ruled them out due to the increased need to clean, sanitize facilities and additional costs in transportation.
The group also considered shortened day schedules for students, but in many cases we found the need to create the most valuable days on campus for students as possible.
Consider carefully the day of the week schedules vs cycle rotations and how they impact things like holidays, childcare for families, and the desire to have a consistent schedule for students, staff, and families.
Develop schedules based on the facility size. Schools that are densely populated may need more cycle days to implement effective social distancing and mitigation methods.
Reduce class sizes through strategic use of alternative schedules.
Consider the needs of families planning for child care, and develop plans that are consistent and support families returning to work.
Consider a block schedule in middle and high schools to eliminate as many students' transitions as possible.
Consider rotating staff to students where applicable to minimize movement. (Ex: Departmentalized Elementary Classes and “specials”)
Utilize an “remote day” remote learning schedule to bring in populations for intervention/related services. (Ex - AA/BB with Remote on Fridays)