Framework for Planning

Working with the Maryland Recovery Plan for Education (MRPE) and the framework of requirements provided by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), SMCPS has developed its plan addressing these requirements:

Requirement Areas:

1. Local school systems must have their recovery plans completed and posted to their websites by August 14, 2020. The MSDE will review all local recovery plans to ensure that the plans include and address all requirements for opening schools.

2. The local school system’s equity plan must be reflected throughout the local recovery plan.

3. Local school systems must establish a recovery plan stakeholder group that is representative of their schools and community.

4. Early in the school year, schools must determine where their students are instructionally, identify the gaps in learning, and prepare a path for instructional success and recovery.

5. All local school systems must ensure that MD College and Career Ready Standards, PreK-12, are taught in all content areas and the State frameworks are followed for each content.

6. Local school systems must follow the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation act (section 504), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

7. Local school systems must follow procedures that are developed by the MSDE in collaboration with the MD Department of Health and guidance from the CDC for an individual who tests positive for COVID-19.

8. Local school systems must follow safety protocols for collection of materials, cleaning of schools and other facilities, daily cleaning, and nutrition as established by MSDE in collaboration with the MD Department of Health and the CDC guidance

9. Local school systems must follow protocols for the safe transportation of students to and from schools.

10. Local school systems must develop a system for tracking attendance when students are engaged in distance learning.

11. Each local school system must develop its own plan for communication.

12. The COVID-19 checklist (appendix a) must be utilized in the development of the recovery plan.

13. The Maryland Public Secondary School Athletic Association (MPSSAA) Roadmap forward for interscholastic athletics and activities must align with MSDE and the LSS educational and health and safety decisions in order for education-based athletics and activities to resume During Stage One and Stage Two of the Governor’s Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery.

Workgroups for Planning

The Safe Return to School Planning Committee includes key workgroups that address the planning elements and strategies related to the Maryland Recovery Plan for Education. SMCPS has defined its planning process based on four pillars, which are supported by cross-cutting themes of Equity, Staff Development, and Stakeholder Input.

Workgroups have been aligned with these pillars, with the underlying cross-cutting themes to ensure needs are met across the planning process. These working groups and their sub-groups will engage key stakeholders, inclusive of staff, students, and parents.

Crosscutting Themes for All Groups:

• Equity

• Staff Development

• Stakeholder input

Instruction

• Gaps and Recovery

• MCCRS Alignment

• Student programs

Services for Students

• Coordination with the Health Department

• Special Education, 504, ADA

• Attendance

• Mental Health, Counseling supports

Supporting Services

• Clean and Healthy

• Food and Nutrition

• Transportation

• Athletics

• Technology

Organizational and System Support

• Equity

• Stakeholder Involvement

• Communication and Safety Messaging

• Scheduling

• Staff child care