Seven weeks ago, Dr. Levine, Secretary French and I spoke at a press conference and set a clear goal: To return to in-person instruction for our kids in the Fall. 1/
At the same time, we recognized how unpredictable this pandemic is, and the anxiety it can and has caused. So, our planning included remote learning and hybrid models, as alternatives. 2/
These approaches were in our guidance for schools, issued on 6/17, developed by a large group of health and education experts and stakeholders, including NEA members, superintendents, principals, special education experts, pediatric infectious disease experts and more. 3/
Our core principle throughout has been to give guidance that helps school districts find safe ways to provide every child with an education that is as good or better than before the pandemic. 4/
We’re fortunate to have a team of experts involved in developing our guidance. They’ve looked at studies from countries that have put kids back to school, our experience with childcare centers and summer camps, and the capacity we have built to contain clusters and outbreaks. 5/
With this knowledge, they continue to recommend kids be in school in areas, like VT, with a low number of cases, and who have the ability to quickly contain outbreaks when they occur. Dr. Fauci has recognized the importance of opening schools in areas with low positivity rates.6/
This is why we put an emphasis on opening for in-person instruction to the greatest extent possible, especially for younger students and those with special needs. But we have to recognize – and plan for – the reality that our data could change before the start of school. 7/
We also know there is not a “one-size-fits-all” plan for our hundreds of schools because each are a bit different. As well, due to our state school structure, we must also respect the local decision-making process. 8/
This is why the guidance was developed to encourage flexibility, with three primary options: Full remote learning, like what we did in the spring; second, a hybrid model, offering a mix of in-person instruction and remote learning; or third, full in-person learning. 9/
Now as district plans roll in, we’re seeing many, but not all, starting with the hybrid model with kids being in-person only a few days a week. But there are others offering full in-person instruction. 10/
While Vermont’s data, the science, and the expert advice would allow for more in-person instruction than many schools are currently planning, I understand the need for caution and the need for school staff, parents and children to ease into this to gain confidence. 11/
Starting with a hybrid model gives school staff and parents time to test the waters, and work through some of the stress and anxiety that exists in a situation like this, where we know things could change, and we need to be nimble. 12/
Because whichever option a district chooses, it will be new and different than normal, like this hybrid model, and we want schools to take the time to get this right so students can hit the ground running. 13/
With that in mind, I’ll issue an Executive Order later this week, setting Tuesday, 9/8 as a universal start date for students. We’ll also work with the legislature to change the requirements of the school calendar to give districts greater flexibility. 14/
This will give schools one-to-two additional weeks to work with staff, test the systems they’ve built and fine tune them if needed. Schools should take this time to make sure they, and their hybrid & online solutions, are effective, so we can deliver for our children. 15/
Now, I want to be clear: None of this is ideal, but it’s our reality, and I know anxiety is high, even while the health data and experts clearly support in-person instruction. And I can assure you, we will not hesitate to act to protect our students and school employees. 16/
Fortunately, VT is in a much better position that most other states. In fact, we’re probably in a better position than any other state to return to school - an opportunity to do what’s right for our kids & families, because of how successful we've been in limiting the spread. 17/
While this pandemic has created countless challenges and obstacles, we owe it to our kids and their parents to provide them with the best possible education, preferably in-person, or a hybrid system that allows them to easily toggle between the two. 18/
This is big change, but I have faith in educators, who have a big challenge before them, but also a huge opportunity to help teach our kids about the value of being flexible, creative and resilient. 19/
And we know they are 100% committed to giving our kids the high-quality public education they deserve. 20/20
