DC Charter School Alliance advocating for updated public health guidance

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:30 kids in a classroom? 😳

Dozens of midwest school have 25-35 kids in a classroom. Some with masks some lower grade without masks. They have had some quarantine days but for the most part it has been going fine. Of course they are mainly in schools with windows that open and larger classroom sizes. Many of the towns are doing minimal testing but, are also further behind the vaccine rollout as well.
Point being it can be done reasonably safely even if it makes us uncomfortable.

Yes, it's for larger spaces and could allow schools to use the library or gym or lunchroom to expand the amount of space they have for classes. It doesn't mean 30 kids though. The cohort size includes adults so a cohort of 30 could include 26 students, two teachers and two aides/paraprofessionals. This could be particularly important for getting kids multiple subjects with appropriate teachers and special education supports.

Fin use the gyms, use the lunchroom, the principals office, park fema trailers in the parking lot and on the street, take over nearby rec centers, libraries whatever. Get Evey child that wants 5 day a week classes in school now. Set up a single district wide distance learning program. If you kid wants to stay home they get the same general education classes offered no NW getting DL than SE anymore.
Hire teachers, aides whatever is needed to get kids in the classroom. Change the structure to include grade level ranges so kids that need more help can get the help they need.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The mayor is responsible for both the health department and the schools. This falls on her and the DME and chancellor for not advocating to update the guidelines. If NYC can do this then so can we.

All three, the mayor, DME, and chancellor are responsible for this debacle.

+1000

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are schools allowed to ignore the guidance? Is it definitely binding?

No, they have to follow the OSSE regulations developed based on DC Health.

So the regs need to change.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good news that charters are being proactive about advocating to change the guidelines.

It’s needed and long overdue now that the vaccines are out and everyone will have access to it soon.

Maybe for next school year, if that's what you mean by soon

hey, if the charters open full-time next year and DCPS doesn't, I will laugh my ass off.

I would not bet on that. If DCPS doesn't open....the charters won't open. They have proven throughout this entire year that they are not innovators but followers.

Even though charter teachers aren't part of WTU, they do often point to WTU and their support of teachers. If a charter goes against what DCPS does and force teachers in, those who don't want to come in will just quit and get jobs at DCPS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are schools allowed to ignore the guidance? Is it definitely binding?

No, they have to follow the OSSE regulations developed based on DC Health.

So the regs need to change.

Or Mayor Bowser could shout some leadership like Governor Inslee. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/education/gov-inslee-order-will-require-washingtons-k-12-schools-to-offer-some-in-person-learning-as-part-of-covid-19-recovery/?fbclid=IwAR3eOTiVeQ53eDT298vhA79CQhqin8_--3xvJa2bvYJjmxGMWhqDGypjNJg