State Level COVID-19 Guidance
Our nation’s public schools are by far one of the most important places to reopen if we are to restore our economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 50 million children and 6 million adults attend public schools each day across the country in 100,000+ buildings. Without schools opening, parents and guardians cannot get back to work. Equally important, millions of children have fallen behind educationally as a result of the pandemic. School districts are working to develop ways to reopen schools and operate them so they meet the health guidance from their states and the CDC and meet their obligations to education ALL children to high educational standards.
STATE GUIDANCE ON REOPENING AND OPERATING PUBLIC SCHOOLS DURING A HEALTH CRISIS
States and districts need to share information and tools and help each other provide teaching and learning environments that are as healthy and safe as possible during this pandemic. To facilitate this, the National Council on School Facilities (NCSF) with its partners at the 21st Century School Fund and the Center for Cities + Schools at UC Berkeley have collected and are analyzing the state guidance on reopening and operating public schools in this COVID pandemic.States and school districts across the country are struggling with how to reopen and operate the public schools so they are healthy and safe for staff and students. The National Council on School Facilities is collecting and analyzing state guidance documents.
Alabama State Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: In-progress; Guidance Release Date: Planned June 19
Scope of Guidance:
Alaska Department of Education & Early Development Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Smart Start 2020; Guidance Release Date: June
Scope of Guidance: Considerations and recommendations are built around a tiered approach for reopening based on pandemic risk levels. Health parameters were developed for how schools can safely operate in a low, medium and high-risk environment. Based on these health parameters and risk environment and with help from Alaska Department of Education & Early Development, districts will build modular plans on how they will deliver education focusing on 3 areas: Conditions for Learning, Continuity of Learning, and Capacities for Learning. The guidance is not mandated, or state required.
Arizona Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
Arizona Department of Health Services Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: The Roadmap for Reopening Schools; Guidance Release Date: June
Scope of Guidance: Contains strategies and considerations for LEAs in re-entry into the school year. Guidance includes strategic planning, school finance, health protocals, maintaining healthy operations, mental health, steps for when someone gets sick, student learning, considerations for teachers, considerations for leaders, considerations for athletics. Also contains considerations for 4 differant opening scenarios for the upcoming school year. Finally there are considerations around technology.
Arkansas Division of Elementary & Secondary Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: In-progress; Guidance Release Date:
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California Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
California Department of Public Health Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Stronger Together: A Guidebook for the Safe Reopening of California’s Public Schools;
Guidance Release Date: June
Scope of Guidance: Provides guidance and best practices for health and safety (checklist), instructional programs, mental health, school services, professional relationships and learning, continuity of relationships and learning plans, communication and community engagement, and early learning and care.
Colorado Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Planning the 2020-21 School Year: A Framework and Toolkit for School and District Leaders ;
Guidance Release Date: May 26
Scope of Guidance: Provides considerations, guidelines, and required elements around Health & Safety, Continuity of Learning, Conditions for Learning, Planning & Communications, and Policy & Funding.
Connecticut State Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
Connecticut Department of Public Health Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: In-progress ; Guidance Release Date:
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Delaware Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: In-progress ; Guidance Release Date: Expected around July 15
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District of Columbia Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
Reopening Guidance Documents: Education and Childcare Committee Additional Recommendations for the ReOpen DC Advisory Group;
Guidance Release Date: May 21
Scope of Guidance: Guidance for All levels of education and childcare. PK-12 reopens on Stage 2-3. Selected schools can reopen, limiting 10 people per classroom. This is a section of a larger report to reopen DC.
Florida Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Reopening Florida’s Schools and the CARES Act; Guidance Release Date: June
Scope of Guidance: Provides guidance on community engagement, medically vulnerable students and staff, general mitigation strategies, campus setup and programming strategies, communications, extracurricular activities, student drop-off/pick-up, CDC guidance for cleaning and disinfecting, class size and busing. The guidance also provides strategies for responding to a confirmed COVID-19 case. Guidance on instructional continuity. Also provides background on the CARES Act and how a LEA can utilize these funds.
Georgia Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Georgia’s Path To Recovery for K-12 Schools; Guidance Release Date: June 1
Scope of Guidance: Guidance to support districts and communities in determining their plans and strategies for reopening schools. It provides an approach with clear, actionable steps that are advisable before students and employees return to school buildings, along with guidance that is applicable throughout the 2020-2021 school year.
Hawaii State Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Guidance for Reopening Schools; Guidance Release Date: June 2
Scope of Guidance: One-page guidance, which includes guidance on: Classrooms; Cleaning and Disinfection; Campus Safety; School Buses; Restrooms; and Health Rooms.
Idaho State Board of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
Idaho Special Education Support & Technical Assistance Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: School Board Re-Entry Criteria for Public Schools; Guidance Release Date: May 4
Scope of Guidance: School re-entry criteria is aligned with Governor Brad Little's Idaho's Rebounds Plan (https://rebound.idaho.gov/). Provides the minimum required school protocols that must be met to reopen; including a plan in place for immediate re-closure if needed.
Illinois Association of School Boards Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Guidance for Boards Regarding Reopening of Schools; Guidance Release Date: May
Scope of Guidance: This is a guidance for Boards. The guidance document is intended to provide a framework to guide local school boards in discussions about the reopening of school in the fall. The documents recommends boards to consider a plan with the following areas: Governance and Policy; Internal and External Communications; School Facilities; Academic and Program; Social and Emotional Considerations; and Human Resources.
Indiana Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Indiana’s Considerations for Learning and Safe Schools In-Class; Guidance Release Date: June 5
Scope of Guidance: The document is intended to provide all Indiana districts and schools with guidance for preparing school operations under the current pandemic environment. Considerations in this document include: Operations; Health Protocol; Social Distancing in the School Environment; Extra-Curricular and Co-Curricular Re-entry; Special Education; Student Transportation; and Mitigations Strategies.
Iowa Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: In-progress; Guidance Release Date: Expected in July
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Kansas Association of School Boards Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: In-progress ; Guidance Release Date: Expected in July
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Kentucky Department of Education - COVID-19 Updates and Information for P-12 Education
Kentucky Department of Education - COVID-19 Considerations for Reopening Schools Initial Guidance for Schools and Districts (May 15)
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Reopening Guidance; Guidance Release Date: Multiple documents released in June
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Louisiana Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: In-progress ; Guidance Release Date:
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Maine Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Working Draft: Return to Classroom Instruction Framework ; Guidance Release Date: Initial iteration June 11
Scope of Guidance: Initial iteration of framework released. The framework provides options, ideas, and considerations for organizing the work of reintegrating back to in-person, classroom instruction. Not requirements or mandates. Framework consists of: Physical Health and Safety Considerations; Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Mental Health Considerations, Academic Programs and Student Learning Considerations, Common Foundation for Remote Learning.
Maryland Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Maryland Together: Maryland’s Recovery Plan for Education; Guidance Release Date: May 6 (updated in June)
Scope of Guidance: Schools will open during phase two. Sections on this guidance include: Research; Educational Equity; Communcation; Instructional Programs; Support Programs; Professional Learning; Information Regarding Educators; Preparation and Services; Student Services; and Continuity of Learning.
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Initial Fall School Reopening Guidance; Guidance Release Date: June 25
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Michigan Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: In-progress ; Guidance Release Date:
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Minnesota Department of Health Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
Minnesota Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: In-progress ; Guidance Release Date:
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Mississippi Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Considerations for Reopening Mississippi Schools; Guidance Release Date: June 8
Scope of Guidance: Outlines a three-month timeline of strategies to consider as district leaders plan for the start of the 2020-21 school year. Topics include: Academic Programming; Operations; Family and Community Support; Communications; Health and Safety; and Technology/Learning Management Systems.
Missouri School Boards' Association Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Pandemic Recovery Considerations: Re-Entry and Reopening of Schools; Guidance Release Date: June 4
Scope of Guidance: A living document that will be updated as new information is learned and new ideas are shared. The document provides examples of protocols schools could implement, if feasible, during a “phased-in approach” to bringing students and staff back to school. The document offers considerations on the following topics: Governance; Communications; Physical Plant; Nurse/Health Personnel; Academic; Social and Emotional Health; Fiscal; and Human Resources.
Montana Office of Public Instruction Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: In-progress; Guidance Release Date: Expected in June
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Nebraska Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: In-progress; Guidance Release Date:
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Nevada Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
Nevada Health Response Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Nevada’s Path Forward: A Framework for a Safe, Efficient, and Equitable Return to School Buildings;
Guidance Release Date: June 9
Scope of Guidance: The document is designed to help districts and schools make community-based decisions regarding the re-opening of school buildings. Sections in the document include: Communication; Re-opening School Buildings; Human Resources; Logistics; and Wellness and Recovery.
New Hampshire Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: In-progress; Guidance Release Date:
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New Jersey Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
New Jersey Education Association Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: The Road Back: Restart and Recovery Plan for Education; Guidance Release Date: June 26
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New Mexico Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: In-progress; Guidance Release Date:
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New York State Education Department Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: In-progress; Guidance Release Date:
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North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: StrongSchoolsNC: Public Health Toolkit (K-12); Guidance Release Date: June 8
Scope of Guidance: K-12 Public Health Toolkit, interim guidance that should be used in tandem with operational guidance provided by NCDPI.
North Dakota Department of Public Instruction Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: North Dakota K-12 Smart Restart Guidance; Guidance Release Date: May
Scope of Guidance: The guidance aligns with Phase 1-3 of “Opening Up America Again.” Offers four school decision scenarios and other four components: Health and Safety Logistics; Academic Support; Social Emotional Learning; and Funding.
Ohio Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: In-progress; Guidance Release Date:
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Oklahoma State Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Return to Learn Oklahoma: A Framework for Reopening Schools; Guidance Release Date: June 3
Scope of Guidance: This Framework for reopening includes four categories: School Operations; Academics and Growth; Whole Child and Family Supports; and School Personnel.
Oregon Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Ready Schools, Safe Learners; Guidance Release Date: June 10
Scope of Guidance: Version 1. Provides eight sections on: Public Health Protocols; Facilities and School Operations; Response to Outbreak; Equity; Instruction; Family and Community Engagement; Mental, Social, and Emotional Health; and Staffing and Personnel.
Pennsylvania Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
Pennsylvania Department of Health Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Preliminary Guidance for Phased Reopening of Pre-K to 12 Schools; Guidance Release Date: June 3
Scope of Guidance: Preliminary guidance serving as a starting point for school leaders to consider in their preparations for the upcoming year. The guidance will evolve as further research, data and resources become available.
Puerto Rico Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: ; Guidance Release Date:
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Rhode Island Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Reimagining RI Education: Fall Reopening Plan Framework ; Guidance Release Date: May 22
Scope of Guidance: Working draft on its early stages. Has only sections on Planning and Governance, Teaching and Learning, Wellness and Safety, and Professional Learning and Support.
South Carolina Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: In-progress; Guidance Release Date:
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South Dakota Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: In-progress ; Guidance Release Date:
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Tennessee Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Reopening Schools: Overview Guide for LEAs; Guidance Release Date: June 5
Scope of Guidance: This is: a guidance document, resource for local decision-making, evolving document, intended to serve a framework to partner with other resources.
Texas Education Agency Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: In-progress; Guidance Release Date:
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Utah State Board of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
Utah Department of Health Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: In-progress; Guidance Release Date:
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Vermont Agency of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: A Strong and Healthy Start: Safety and Health Guidance for Reopening Schools, Fall 2020;
Guidance Release Date: June 17
Scope of Guidance: A 25 page document for school district; the guidance contains the following major themed consideration sections: Student and Staff Health, School Day, Operational and Facilities, Social-Emotional Health, and Communications Systems.
Virginia Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Recover, Redesign, Restart 2020: A Comprehensive Plan that Moves Virginia Learners and Educators Forward
Guidance Release Date: June 9
Scope of Guidance: Extensive 136-page document. Covering topics of equity, reopening phases, school operations, student and staff support, instruction, and others.
Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Reopening Washington Schools 2020: District Planning Guide; Guidance Release Date: June 11
Scope of Guidance: 58 page document that includes health & safety requirements, worksite employee health & safety requirements, key statutory requirements, scheduling concepts for consideration, actions for implementation, and a template for reopening.
West Virginia Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Re-entry to Recovery Guidance ; Guidance Release Date: June 10
Scope of Guidance: Two-page overview guidance. More to come, no date determined.
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
Wisconsin Department of Health Services Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: Education Forward: Safely and Successfully Reopening Wisconsin Schools; Guidance Release Date: June 22
Scope of Guidance: The guidance document is for Wisconsin district and school leaders to use as they plan for a safe, efficient, and equitable return to school for the 2020-21 school year amid the COVID-19 pandemic." This 87 page document's major sections includes, Returning to Schools, The Learning Landscape, Operations, Health & Safety, Instructional Programming, and Out-of-School Time Programs.
Wyoming Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: ; Guidance Release Date:
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The Department of Defense Department of Education Activities (DoDEA) has schools in South Korea which they are carefully reopening. They have developed protocols for reopening their schools following the corona virus outbreak in Korea.
The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Education Link to COVID-19 Information Pages
State Level Reopening Guidance Documents: ; Guidance Release Date:
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