On Thurs., Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones announced that the intends to resume full-time, in-person instruction for all students beginning for the 2021-2022 school year.
According to Jones, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) plan for returning to in-person instruction will be implemented under full compliance with public health directives.
“Getting our students back into class is the single best thing we can do for their education and social-emotional health,” said Jones, who began his appointment as interim superintendent on May 1. “Fortunately for all of us, the pandemic is slowing and access to vaccinations continues to grow so we fully expect to return to traditional education in the fall.”
While the focus is on in-person instruction for all students, the plan does include a remote option for students who may be unable to attend full-time in-person for health-related or other significant reasons.
During a press briefing, Jones identified important areas of collaboration and partnership that will be prioritized as the plan is developed:
• Working in partnership with the SPS Board of Directors to approve the final plan for submission to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI);
• Working in partnership with the Seattle Education Association during development of the best possible instructional environment that will ensure the highest student outcomes;
• Including input from key stakeholders, community groups, students and families, with a particular focus on students and families furthest from educational justice.
With the return to full-time in-person instruction, Jones says the district is planning a range of student and staff-focused supports, inlcuding:
• Focus on student mental health – SPS will use federal emergency funds to invest in additional mental health services, trauma-informed practice and working with families and staff to create a “culture of care” as students return to classrooms.
• Supporting student growth – Focus on each student’s individual learning path in collaboration with parents and caregivers. Additional academic supports, community partnerships, and learning opportunities will be in place to support those students with the most need.
• Robust wellness supports for SPS staff.
• Continuing to use new and innovative instructional practices that have evolved over the past year.
“The impacts of the pandemic and this last year on our children won’t fully be known for years to come,” said SPS School Board President Chandra Hampson. “As many more students transition to in-person learning, we must keep our hearts and minds open to their unique experiences, trauma, and growth. Some students will benefit by continuing in remote learning – an option we are committed to providing. The many reasons why students choose to stay remote will guide us in our own organizational growth. The vast majority of our students, however, will greatly benefit from a return to full-time schooling.”
The SPS Board of Directors will hold a special board meeting on May 26, 2021 to review the Washington LEA Academic and Student Well-Being Recovery Plan, which is required by OSPI.
On June 1, 2021, SPS will submit the board-approved plan to OSPI.
