The COVID-19 pandemic has been very fluid and changing, as has the response and requirements from the OSPI. Since March 17th COVID-19 termination of face-to-face instruction, the state has provided multiple and changing requirements of schools. The initial mandate from OSPI was that ALL Schools extend their school year to June 19th unless they could demonstrate that they could fully meet the requirements for instructional days (180) AND instructional hours (1027). This would have necessitated schools, beginning the first day of closure, to offer about 6 hours per day of distance learning.
The requirements evolved next to the expectation that ALL Schools add five-days to their school year, but not be required to extend beyond June 19th. On April 29, the state formally adopted emergency rules (WAC) that supported this.
On April 30, the state published a set of Frequently Asked Questions. The answer to Question 3 seemed, on the face, to contradict the WAC and statements prior to April 30.
Q-3: What are the requirements for districts that will not offer 1,027 average instructional hours but will provide 180 school days? These districts will receive their full annual allocation of state apportionment if:
Following the publication of the FAQ document, both the Attorney General and OSPI agree on the interpretation of Q-3.
On Friday, March 13th, The Governor made his announcement that schools would shift to a distance learning model and that face-to-face instruction must cease no later than March 17th. Woodland Schools were closed at the end of the day, March 13th.
On Saturday, March 14th, the Woodland Public Schools Administrative team met for a day-long planning session, during which we immediately began planning for how we would immediately and effectively begin supporting instruction for students, beginning on Tuesday, March 17th.
On Monday, March 16th, principals met with teaching staff, and staff spent the day planning and preparing for distance learning. On Monday, March 16th, many teachers began outreach to students and learning opportunities, including staff/family contacts, printed learning packets, online learning opportunities, etc. began on Tuesday, March 17th.
Over the course of the succeeding weeks learning "ramped up" with the increased distribution of Chrome-books, hot-spots, and learning packets. Learning opportunities for students have continued since they began on March 17th. May 1st was a scheduled snow make-up day during which we continued operating in consideration of the March 16th staff planning and preparation day.
On June 12, we will have met the 180 instructional days requirement, but not have met the 1080 instructional hours requirement.
Teachers and Families are experiencing "Distance Learning Fatigue." Students, teachers, and parents are investing deeply in supporting ongoing learning. I believe it will be in the best interests of all stakeholders to follow the previously adopted school calendar and end school on June 12th, with HS Seniors' last day being June 5th. I need guidance from the board on this determination as it will dictate the form of the resolution and the distance learning plan that the board will consider on May 27th.