Thread by @CADeptEd

Media Check-in with State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: facebook.com/CAEducation/vi…

State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: Good morning. We want to share with you what we shared this morning as a great resource to help schools open. Rapid COVID testing is a game changer and is being used in a number of schools to facilitate a safe return to in-person instruction.

State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: Rapid testing is a great way for schools to meet their day-to-day needs. We are using it in California State Special Schools and there are many other schools using these rapid tests. I'm here today at @csdeagles.

State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: We are working hard to utilize rapid COVID testing to make sure students are safe. CDE is prepared to support schools in reopening and do more work to address learning gaps and accelerate academic growth and interventions.

State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: We're also continuing to address the digital divide and we've created the California Digital Divide Innovation Challenge. And we're working with the state to help with digital infrastructure gaps.

State Superintendent @TonyThurmond on question about focusing on testing: It's still so important. It just seems to me that it's a great way to have awareness about who might be positive and asymptomatic. We're working with Binax because of affordability.

State Superintendent @TonyThurmond on question about focusing on testing: We still need vaccines. Testing is part of an overall strategy to keep students and schools safe. We're excited for it as a way to support safety.

State Superintendent @TonyThurmond on question about #ethnicstudies curriculum process so far: We can never please everyone but we want to bring justice to what we believe the purpose of ethnic studies is about. We want everyone to be proud of the experiences of all communities.

State Superintendent @TonyThurmond on question about #ethnicstudies: You'll find in this draft is four core groups, and robust examples that speak to the experiences of those groups. We also added an appendix to add groups who may have a connection to these groups & a story also.

State Superintendent @TonyThurmond on question about #ethnicstudies: The curriculum is a guide and not a mandate. We're excited for the conversation to continue about ethnic studies.

State Superintendent @TonyThurmond on question about learning loss: There are so many different challenges for many students. And it's why we want to help schools recover and implement learning acceleration through tutoring, after school programs, coaching of teachers.

State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: Thank you for being with us today. We had a very invigorating conversation this morning about rapid COVID testing, and how it's a key cost-effective strategy to keep schools safe. Stay tuned and continue to stay safe and well.