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's Executive Orders: Unemployment Extended; Gatherings Over 50 People Prohibited; Bars, Theaters, Other Public Spaces Closed; Restaurants Limited to Carry-Out Orders In the last 24 hours, Governor Whitmer has issued three new executive orders (EOs) to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect employees and families. Those include EOs 2020-09 which creates temporary restrictions on the use of places of public accommodation, 2020-10 which provides temporary expansions in unemployment eligibility and cost-sharing, and 2020-11 which replaces EO 2020-05 and limits the size of gatherings to no more than 50 people. Click the link below to read a brief synopsis and view each EO. Advanced Placement Testing Members have contacted MASSP to make us aware that when they called the College Board to talk about potential cancellation for spring testing they were told there would be a $40 cancellation fee. MASSP has shared our concerns with this response with the College Board. The following statement can be found on the College Board Advanced Placement website: The health and safety of students and educators is our top priority. We’re closely monitoring the updates and guidance about the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other leading health organizations. Today, we’ve launched a web page on AP Central to provide information about flexible testing options for schools experiencing substantial disruption or closure and guidance for schools that plan to maintain AP instruction while students are at home. On Monday, we’ll send an email to AP teachers, AP coordinators, principals, and district staff that directs them to this new page on AP Central. Student Work Permits During School Shut Down Students who wish to work during the shutdown must have an approved Youth Employment Permit in place prior to start of employment. The State of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Wage and Hour Division enforces the Youth Employment Standards Act 90 of 1978. Act 90 regulates the employment of minors under 18. US Department of Ed FAQ: FERPA and COVID-19 During and after the mandatory closure, Principals may be faced with requests for student medical information. To that end, the U.S. Department of Education (USDoED) Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO) has prepared "FERPA & Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)" to assist school officials in helping manage public health issues while protecting student privacy. In particular, as you consider the disclosure of personally identifiable information (PII) from student education records to individuals and entities who may not already have access to that information having an understanding how, what, and when information can be shared is a critical part of preparedness. US Dept of Ed Memo Talks COVID-19 and Assessments and Accountability On March 12, the U.S. Department of Education (USED) put out their "Fact Sheet: Impact of COVID-19 on Assessments and Accountability under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act." This document comes up short of providing educators with decisive guidance on how the federal government is going to handle issues like assessment participation and accountability systems in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this excerpt related to assessment waivers is representative of the responses USED is providing on most of these topics: "The Department generally does not grant statewide waivers of assessment requirements under section 1111(b)(2) of the ESEA....However, due to the unique circumstances that may arise as a result of COVID-19, such as a school closing during the entire testing window, it may not be feasible for a State to administer some or all of its assessments, in which case the Department would consider a targeted one-year waiver of the assessment requirements for those schools impacted by the extraordinary circumstances." We know that the Michigan Department of Education has already reached out to USED to inquire about such a waiver for Michigan, so expect more information to be forthcoming soon. Click the link below to read the memo in its entirety. Leader2Leader Webinar Knowing there are more questions than answers as we strategically respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, MASSP is hosting a Leader2Leader webinar from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 19. During this webinar, we will provide a status report on the Extended School Closings from a state perspective and discuss commonly asked questions – both those for which we have answers and those where we are awaiting further guidance. We will also provide opportunities for participants to share local/regional plans and strategies. In addition, we will solicit additional questions and concerns that participants have to add to our FAQ. MASSP Social Media & Other Recommended Sources If you want continuous updates on things happening that are school related, be sure to follow MASSP on Twitter or follow the association's Facebook page. On Facebook, the Keep Michigan Learning page is allowing educators statewide to post their favorite learning resources for students in all grades. 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