There is much to be kept in the loop about in education and learning during this rapidly evolving pandemic outbreak in the United States. Families need information not only concerning the health and safety of their children and themselves, but the learning protocols and procedures, as well. From preschool through post-secondary education, information is being updated in response to Coronavirus[COVID-19].
Inequity is beginning to be addressed in all areas, and thus it is critical that our systems conduct thorough examination of all B.C.[Before Coronavirus] policies and practices to mitigate unecessary harm. Access to information and services is being broadened and families are now placed central to the learning process at home.
Since we are all in this together, to slow the spread of this pandemic, it should rightfully include larger systems, in addition to individual and family-focused efforts to support the capacity of our society to protect the health and welfare of everyone. The future of our economy and ever-present desire to remain global leaders, is greatly dependent upon the attention we pay to children, families, educators and schools.
Over the last several weeks, the White House, the Department of Education, and other federal agencies have released a significant amount of guidance to support schools, educators, and families regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus). For updated information, please visit Coronavirus.gov, CDC.gov/coronavirus, and USA.gov/coronavirus and see the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America – 30 Days to Slow the Spread of COVID-19.
For education-related information, the Department has established a dedicated Coronavirus webpage (ed.gov/coronavirus), which includes information for families and communities that is continually being added to and updated, including:
- At-home activities for students and parents to continue learning while not in school;
- CARES Act Information: Emergency Relief for Higher Education Students;
- Coronavirus Information for Students, Borrowers, and Parents from Federal Student Aid (FSA) (Updated);
- Broad flexibilities provided to states to bypass ESSA mandated testing for the 2019-2020 school year due to COVID-19 national emergency, including the waiver application for states;
- A fact sheet (Español) addressing serving children with disabilities during COVID-19 national emergency;
- Informational resources, a presentation, and a webinar recording on virtual learning and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
- The Department’s Coronavirus webpage also contains resources for institutions of higher education and for K-12.
- The Centers for Disease Control provides Guidance for Schools and Child Care Programs as well as Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations for U.S. Community Facilities with Suspected/Confirmed Coronavirus Disease.
- The Office of Elementary and Secondary Education posted an Invitation to Waiver of Fiscal Requirements Due to COVID-19 for the 29=019-2020 School Year.
- The Office of Postsecondary Education has issued updated Guidance for interruptions of study related to Coronavirus, including FAQ.
The Department will continue to update its website, and if you have any additional resources that you would like to add, please leave a comment and keep us all ‘in the loop’. We ARE all in this together!
From now on, it is important that you…..
Stay informed,
Stay calm,
Stay well,
Stay safe and, for now,
Stay home!
DIVERSITY University 