Connecticut State Dept. of Education Releases School Reopening Guidelines

Recently, the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) released “Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together”, a comprehensive plan that will serve as a roadmap for districts as they plan to reopen schools at the beginning of the 2020-21 academic year. This document follows the announcement last week of a framework to allow all students – in all school districts statewide – the opportunity to have access to in-school, full-time instruction in the fall as long as public health data continues to support a safe return.

Although school districts have discretion when it comes to implementing approaches to reopening, especially given unique local considerations, these guiding principles require all districts to develop their plans with a certain level of regional consistency. Understanding that health developments may influence decisions to transition to a different instructional model, districts are asked to be flexible in balancing their planning with contingency plans to provide robust, blended learning or remote learning for all grades in the event that a school, district, or region has to cancel or limit in-person classes due to health precautions.

Additionally, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge all of our educators, parents and students who have been so extraordinary in adapting to the best of their ability to virtual learning during the height of the pandemic. It certainly was not easy.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns pertaining to state government.

Sincerely,
State Representative Cara Pavalock-D’Amato