A blended learning model has been announced for the 1.1 million public school students in the City which will mean 1, 2 or 3 days per week of in-person learning in schools depending on the school’s building capacity. The days not at school physically, students will be doing remote learning probably with another teacher.
Here are our key takeaways:
- New York City students will be learning 5 days a week. A major difference is that schools are preparing to deliver their education through a blended learning model. Blended learning means students will be taught on-site in school for part of the week, and will attend school remotely on the other days of the week.
- Any family can also choose all-remote learning, for any reason.
- Most schools will not be able to have all their kids in the building at the same time as they need 6 feet around each child for social distancing.
- 9 to 12 students in a classroom is the ideal number to guarantee social distancing
- In-person learning will be available 2 or 3 days per week depending on the week for the vast majority of schools (that are not too overcrowded)
- If there is enough space in an undercrowded school, you can potentially see kids there 5 days a week
- For schools that are not crowded which can accomodate 50% of students = 2-cohort model: 2 groups of students, 2.5 days at school for each group (3 days one week, 2 days the other week).
- For crowded schools which can accomodate 33% of students = 3-cohort model: 3 groups of students, 2 days at school for each group, some weeks only 1 day at school
- For additional safety there will be nightly deep cleanings, better ventilation systems will be installed, face coverings will be required, schools might use large space for classes ie. gymnasiums, cafeterias etc sometimes even enclosed outdoor spaces, there will be new hallway layouts and further action taken.
- No punishment of kids if they take their face coverings off, it will be about education about their and public safety.
- Staff can apply for an accommodation for medical reason and then work from home providing remote learning.
- Same safety measurements will be in effect for Charter Schools in co-located schools buildings.
- Principals will hold parent meetings in July to discuss their individual school’s schedule.
- The parents portal to sign up for fully remote instruction will be open July 15 to August 7.
- There will be specific dates during the school year when remote-learning-only families may elect to transition back to the blended model quarterly.
- Families can always switch to remote-learning-only
- This guidance could change, check the new website for updated information
