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Hartford, Conn.—Today, Governor Lamont and State Department of Education Commissioner Cardona provided updates on district reopening plans and the results of a school reopening survey. The survey showed:
- 76% of students expect / look forward to returning in person;
- 81% of teachers expect to be in the classroom teaching; and
- 54% of students expect to ride a bus.
Commissioner Cardona indicated that SDE has received over 231 reopening plans as of Saturday afternoon. As SDE continues to review district plans, which Cardona said are fluid, he acknowledged that students learn best in the classroom.
In June, the State Department of Education released guidelines for school districts to follow as they develop three plans, one for in-person learning, a second hybrid plan of online and in-person learning and a third full distance learning plan.
To date, over 140 districts have shared reopening plans on their websites. Education non-profit ConnCAN (the Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now) recently compiled a list of reopening plans.
ConnCAN Executive Director Subira Gordon said, “As we balance the health, safety and needs of students, teachers and families, I remain concerned about social isolation, 1:1 technology access, Internet connectivity and the development of strong relationships between students and teachers.”
Gordon said, “The hybrid model helps Connecticut continue on its path for a safe and sustaining recovery without letting its guard down. It is more equitable for kids in the cities because it provides small class size and reduces overcrowding on buses.”
Gordon added, “In the Spring, student engagement with distance learning in some of our urban centers was as low as 30%. We must do more to provide a quality education and ensure all of our students are receiving it.”
In their June press release, SDE said: “districts are asked to be flexible in balancing their planning with contingency plans to provide robust, blended learning or remote learning for all grades in the event that a school, district, or region has to cancel or limit in-person classes due to health precautions. As this plan is implemented, CSDE will continue working collaboratively with public health and educational stakeholders in order to provide support and guidance to assist districts with planning at the local level and providing education to all students in a way that is accessible, equitable and meaningful.”
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About ConnCAN: ConnCAN is leading a movement to improve education outcomes for Connecticut’s kids. We bring advocates, policymakers, parents and educators together to change the system and give all kids access to the great public schools they deserve. Learn more at conncan.org.