LSA: COVID-19 impact to schools

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Iowa COVID-19 Guidance:

*On March 15, Gov. Reynolds recommended that public and private schools remain closed until April 13.

*SF 2408 (Supplemental and Continuing Appropriations Act), signed by Gov. Reynolds on March 17, waives the Iowa Code requirements for instructional time (180 days or 1,080 hours) due to COVID-19 through April 12, and beyond if necessary. If the emergency proclamation expires, the rules suspension also expires.

*For graduating seniors who are unable to complete their classes for the year due to school closure, illness or related COVID-19 issues, the Iowa Department of Education suggests districts use local discretion to determine if students have completed sufficient course content, recommending districts provide “as much latitude for students to graduate on time as possible.”

*Districts and accredited nonpublic schools may choose to use online learning options, but may not require student participation. If used, any online learning options should be offered as equitably as possible, taking into consideration the needs of students living in poverty, students with disabilities, and students who do not speak English as their first language.

*A Continuous Learning task force has been established and will be providing further guidance on continuous learning opportunities including online learning.

*The Department of Education has received approval from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture to serve Summer Food Services Program meals in a noncongregate setting. Many schools are offering meals to any person within or outside of the district.

*The U.S. Dept. of Education will consider targeted, one-year waivers of the assessment requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for schools impacted by extraordinary circumstances due to COVID-19.

*Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress testing is suspended until further notice.

*High school students enrolled in postsecondary courses should continue to participate in the course, unless specific exemptions are established by the postsecondary institution.

For more information on COVID-19 guidance from the Iowa Dept. of Education, click here.

Author: Press Release