The state of Pennsylvania is providing guidance for schools to have the ability to resume in-person instruction and activities July 1st.
Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera discusses the need for unique plans adapted to individual communities:
“To this point every decision we’ve made and what this guidance will show are decisions that will create the conditions and to make recommendations that first and foremost keep students and staff safe,” Rivera said. “Our guiding principle in this was the health and safety in all of those who are engaging in our educational institutions.”
This phased reopening plan also allows for postsecondary institutions and adult basic education programs to begin in-person instruction on Friday after developing a health and safety plan.
Rivera emphasized that this guidance is a starting point and it could evolve as more information becomes available.
“We will continue to work in consultation with the Department of Health and the CDC to update our guidance to the field based on current research and data to both identify what works, what’s being tried, and the efficacy of different strategic plans moving forward,” Rivera said.
The PA Department of Education is expected to release additional information about steps schools should take later this month.