The Los Angeles Unified District and the Los Angeles Teachers Union announced Tuesday that they have reached a tentative agreement to return face-to-face classes.
The agreement envisions a hybrid model that combines online and in-person instruction, with some students remaining in small cohorts while on campus.
Under the tentative agreement, classrooms plan to reopen in mid-April for preschool and elementary students, and in late April for secondary schools.
“The agreement provides for the reopening of schools when Los Angeles County is at the red level in accordance with state school guidelines, that all staff have access to the COVID-19 vaccine, and that schools are kept clean and safe. ”Said Austin Beutner, superintendent and Cecily Myart-Cruz, UTLA president.
“As we have both said for some time, the proper way to reopen schools must include the highest standard of COVID safety in schools, continued reduction of the virus in the communities we serve, and access to vaccinations for staff. school. This agreement achieves that set of shared goals. It is our shared commitment to the highest standards of safety and the spirit of trust and collaboration that we will bring back to the schools, “noted Beutner and Myart-Cruz.
Summary of the agreement:
- Daily in-person instruction for elementary school students in a hybrid morning / afternoon model, while maintaining the option for students to remain in online-only instruction.
- High school students will continue daily online instruction, along with the opportunity to return to campus for peer interaction, social-emotional learning, and college and career exploration lessons.
- Full-day classroom instruction for preschool students.
- Keep teacher assignments up to date whenever possible.
- All students and staff will be screened for COVID-19 prior to their return to campus, and then weekly COVID testing will be provided.
- Masks and social distancing for students, staff and visitors in schools.
- Schools will be kept clean and safe. LAUSD has already invested more than $ 120 million to upgrade air filtration systems, purchase adequate stocks of personal protective equipment, and add additional custodial staff.
- Socio-emotional supports for all students.
- Additional professional development for teachers.
- Meals will be provided to students in schools, whether they are receiving instruction in person or online.
The agreement is subject to approval by the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education and ratification by UTLA members. If approved by both parties, the contract will run until June 30, 2021.
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