DOWNLOAD: SoWashCo Safe Learning Plan
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has set thresholds for schools to reopen safely. The state’s fall school plan is based on a formula that uses COVID-19 infection rates over 14 days in our county (Washington County). Under this plan, school districts have some flexibility in selecting the scenario that works best for their community – in-person learning at school, distance learning at home or hybrid learning which is typically seen as a combination of both. The district, individual schools or even classrooms may need to shift to a different learning scenario throughout the school year to address challenges related to COVID-19.
Example of the state’s formula for schools to reopen safely: The bi-weekly case rate for Washington County from July 5-18 shows a 14.84 case rate, resulting in the recommendation of in-person learning for elementary students and hybrid learning for secondary students.*
Update: On Aug. 13, the school board directed the superintendent to begin the school year in a hybrid learning model and to begin considering the MDE Safe Learning Plan on Sept. 11.
Number of cases per 10,000 over 14 days, by county of residence
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Recommended Learning Model
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0-9
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In-person learning for all students
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10-19*
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In-person learning for elementary students; hybrid learning for secondary students
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20-29
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Hybrid learning for all students
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30-49
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Hybrid learning for elementary students; distance learning for secondary students
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50+
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Distance learning for all students
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