Preparing for the Flu: Department Of Education Recommendations to Ensure the Continuity of Learning for Schools (K-12) During Extended Student Absence or School Dismissal

US Department of Education. Available from: ED Pubs. P.O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794-1398. Tel: 877-433-7827; Fax: 301-470-1244; Web site: http://www.edpubs.org

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Diseases; Health Promotion; Child Health; School Districts; School Role; Attendance Patterns; Educational Technology; Home Instruction; At Risk Persons; Access to Education; Interpersonal Communication; Multimedia Instruction; Educational Resources; Staff Development; Planning; Teaching Methods; Distance Education; Teacher Role; Parent Role; School Business Relationship

As the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) releases its "Guidance for School Responses to Influenza During the 2009-2010 School Year," the U.S. Department of Education reminds states, districts, schools, students, staff, families, and communities about the importance of ensuring the continuity of learning in the event of student or school dismissals. The purpose of this document is to provide recommendations to help schools maintain the continuity of learning for: (1) individual or small groups of students who are out-of-school for extended periods; and (2) large groups of students disrupted by school dismissals or large numbers of faculty absences. It offers key questions for states, districts, school leaders, teachers, parents, and students, and provides resource opportunities and best practices. Four guiding questions are presented to help districts and schools develop learning continuity strategies and action plans: (1) How will affected parties communicate during individual or prolonged absences or during school-wide dismissals? (2) How will students understand and access available academic resources and other supports from home? (3) What equipment and other resources are available or need to be acquired to enable school and district learning continuity plans? and (4) What additional training or experience is required to prepare all parties to respond appropriately when needed? A decision table is appended that includes detailed questions that will lead schools, districts, and states to inventory instructional content and available technology; evaluate educator, student, and parent readiness to participate successfully in distance learning; and evaluate state and district operating plans to support various distance learning options. (Contains 2 footnotes.) [For "Guidance for School Responses to Influenza During the 2009-2010 School Year, " see ED506279.]

As Provided

2009

ED506275