Ducey unveils Arizona school plan
Governor says ultimate decision will left up to school districts and parents
PHOENIX, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Arizona Governor Doug Ducey unveiled the path forward for the state's students and its schools.
On Thursday, Gov. Ducey and State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Kathy Hoffman released the “Arizona: Open for Learning” plan. It provides options for parents, while ensuring a full academic year of education. The plan also invests a total of $440 million in federal funding for schools.
Most importantly, the plan gives local school leaders the flexibility to follow public health guidance to make the best decisions for their community and their classrooms. Earlier in the week, Hoffman joined educators from across the state in asking Gov. Ducey for this level of autonomy.
Mayor of several Arizona cities, including San Luis and Somerton, also sent a letter to the governor urging him to delay the start of in-person classes, and to allow local districts take the lead on decisions about their students.
Read the full text of the mayors' letter here
The Open Learning model focuses more on getting instruction started, than on selecting a date for schools to reopen. It requires schools to start distance learning on the first date of their traditional calendar. The plan also mandates that schools provide 180 days of instruction, regardless of whether it's in person or remote.
Gov. Ducey said the state is ready to provide school extra funding to schools, provided they make free on-site learning and support available by August 17. He said these services are critical to the continued education of at-risk students. The governor also said schools must make an effort to provide adequate instruction to all students, including special education students and English language learners.
Watch the full briefing here:
"From academics to health and nutrition, to social and emotional development and child safety, schools are the backbone of our communities,” said Gov. Ducey. “This plan provides maximum options for Arizona families, ensures students receive a full academic year of education, and gives local school leaders the flexibility, resources and public health guidance to make the best decisions for their students. I am grateful to all the education stakeholders and leaders, including Superintendent Hoffman, for their continued advocacy for the children of our state.”
The Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) will develop and release public health benchmarks for the safe return of in-person, teacher-led classroom instruction by August 7. Mask and face covering requirements, social distancing protocols, and cleaning and sanitizations practices will be addressed in those guidelines.
