MASSP is dedicated to keeping our members informed as the situation with COVID-19 develops. Each weekday during the school shut down you can count on an email from us. We will compile and summarize the latest updates and provide the latest resources to help you navigate the challenges that may arise in the coming weeks. If you have resources or information you think should be included in an upcoming update or on the MASSP COVID-19 resource center, please send them to Alicia Pilmore for consideration. Governor Whitmer Issues Stay at Home Order As you have doubtless seen, at 11 a.m. today Governor Whitmer announced a “stay home, stay safe, save lives” order. Similar to shelter-in-place orders that have already been implemented in other states, today's action orders all Michigan businesses and operations to temporarily suspend in-person operations that are not necessary to sustain or protect life. All Michiganders must stay in their homes unless designated to be part of the critical infrastructure workforce, engaged in an outdoor activity, or performing tasks necessary to the health and safety of themselves or their family. This order is effective at 12:01 am on March 24, 2020 and will remain in effect for at least the next three weeks. Key points:
A separate document was also included with the Executive Order with additional information on the identification of essential services, most important for schools, it identifies educators supporting K-12 schools for the purposes of facilitating distance learning or performing other essential functions, including food services as essential workers. Later in the day the Governor issued a follow-up press release to emphasize the importance of schools continuing food service. For full details you can access Executive Order #2020-21 and a one-page summary of its impact here. MDE Receives Preliminary Assessment Waiver The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) announced this morning that it received preliminary approval over the weekend from the U.S. Department of Education to waive a number of federal requirements for statewide student testing and school accountability. Action from the state legislature will still be necessary to waive some state laws related to these requirements, but this should clear the way for state-level action. We understand that without legislative action to waive the days and hours of instruction being lost to this pandemic, many schools are put in the difficult position of having to balance funding for current operations against the possibility of make-up days. Please know that MASSP is actively working to seek guidance and resolution on this and the many other legislative and legal issues created by this crisis. U.S. Department of Education Provides Guidance for Serving Children with Disabilities During COVID-19 Pandemic & The Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) Navigating the COVID-19 CrisisOn Saturday, March 21, the United States Department of Education (Department) issued a fact sheet with information pertaining to serving students with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools must continue to provide free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities during school closure through distance instruction. The Department notes that schools may not be able to provide all services in the same manner as they would typically, but many accommodations can be made online, such as extensions for assignments, videos with accurate captions or sign language interpreting, and accessible reading materials, among others. Additionally, the Department encourages parents, educators and administrators to continue collaboration in order to meet the needs of students with disabilities. To access the fact sheet, click the link below. The Council of Administrators of Special Education assembled a slide deck with easy to digest information regarding the requirements for serving special education students during the COVID-19 outbreak. Student "Wellness Check-in" Survey Last week we sent out a "Staff Wellness" check-in survey that members really seemed to enjoy. To expand on that topic, this week we wanted to provide an outlet to check in on students. This survey allows building administrators to check-in with students and confidentially assess how each individual is handling the recent school closure. This form is the master template. To use a copy of this form, click on the link below. From there, you can customize this form to meet the needs of your community and record individual answers. FREE Khan Academy Overview for Students in Grades 9-11 on Facebook Live Looking for new learning opportunities? Join the MASC/MAHS Facebook page this Wednesday at 1 p.m. to learn how to access FREE Official SAT practice through Khan Academy as well as how the learning activities can be part of your daily routine (hosted by Matt Alley and Erin Carlson). Other Resources Don't feel bad for my senior year. I'll be OK. Rooted in Love (You Tube, Mike Smith for Jostens) Don’t fret, ’Pandemic school’ is new to us all; tips from Michigan teacher of the year Parents urge Michigan to change rules about online learning during coronavirus Leading Through COVID-19: Making Smart Decisions Through Uncertainty |