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MSDE Recovery Plan
MSDE Recovery Plan
The Maryland State Department of Education introduced the K-12 Decision Matrix on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, to the MSDE State Board of Education. This process outlines 3 Steps to reopening schools. In working through this decision-making process, school systems must follow the guidance outlined in Maryland Together: Maryland's Recovery Plan for Education (MSDE, revised on June 23, 2020). This plan gives each school system the discretion to make decisions to reopen and determine schedules, calendar, and delivery of instruction.
As part of the Maryland Together plan, MSDE has provided a K-12 Decision Matrix, that outlines direction to school systems for the opening of schools as it aligns with the Governor's Roadmap to Recovery. This Decision Matrix outlines three steps:
STEP ONE: The Governor’s Office, in coordination with members of the coronavirus recovery team and experts at the Maryland Department of Health, monitor key health metrics and identify the appropriate stage within Maryland’s Roadmap to Recovery. The State Superintendent of Schools, in consultation with the State Board of Education, subsequently determines the operational status of schools within each stage.
In Step One, the impact on school systems is as follows:
When the State is in Stage 1: All school activities are to be conducted online and through distance learning platforms.
When the State is in Stage 2: Some in-person school activities may commence, in accordance with the Governor’s gating and social distancing measures.
When the State is in Stage 3: In-person school activities may fully resume, and schools can begin normal operations.
STEP TWO: When the State is in Stage 2, each local school system must meet the Requirements for Opening Schools as outlined in the Maryland Together: Maryland’s Recovery Plan for Education.
All decisions prior to step three can be reevaluated depending on emerging data and trends at the State level
STEP THREE: Local school systems make determinations regarding which groups of students and staff will be able to re-enter buildings. Specific schedules, calendar modifications, and delivery of instruction are at the discretion of the local school system. School systems can be more restrictive than the requirements outlined in the State Recovery Plan, and the health and safety measures outlined by the Governor and MDH depending on conditions in their locality.
On January 21, 2021, the Governor’s office and MSDE released a new document, Maryland School Reopening Guidance. This new guidance puts forth the expectation of in-person instruction, without reference to specific health metrics.
Maryland's Recovery Plan (Jun 2020)
Maryland Reopening Guidance (Jan 2021)
Using the Maryland Together roadmap, St. Mary's County Public Schools will develop its Fall 2020 Safe Return to School plan based on four pillars: Instruction/Teaching & Learning, Student Services, Supporting Services, and Organizational and System Support.
Cross-Cutting Themes
Cross-Cutting Themes
The foundation of these pillars is the assurance of three key elements that cross each pillar's planning elements:
Equity: Assuring equity has been addressed as a component piece of each planning element.
Staff Development: Providing ongoing support for staff in the transition to new processes.
Stakeholder Input: Providing multiple opportunities for stakeholders (students, staff, families) to provide input throughout the planning process.
Addressing learning gaps and developing a plan for success and recovery
Ensuring the alignment of curriculum and instruction to State standards
Providing ongoing professional development for staff
Developing plans for the continuation of student programs
Pillar 2 Services for Students
Pillar 2 Services for Students
Developing a system for monitoring attendance in blended and online environments, where needed
Ensuring Special Education/504/ADA support for students
Providing counseling and mental health services
Coordinating with the Health Department for safe practices
Ensuring clean and healthy environments
Providing ongoing food and nutrition services
Developing multiple transportation plans
Developing plans for the deployment of instructional technology
Developing plans for athletics and student performance groups
Providing ongoing communications and messaging
Creating and healthy environments
Developing multiple models for scheduling
Developing plans for substitute and staffing support
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