March 16,2021 3:30 a.m.

On Monday staff with the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Education released an update to the Ready Schools, Safe Learners guidance.

A release said that followed a review of guidance and metrics contained in a recent executive order from Oregon Governor Kate Brown. The update said schools are required to offer in-person instruction with options for families that want to continue with Comprehensive Distance Learning.

Brown’s order requires all Oregon public schools to offer access to fully On-Site or Hybrid Instruction Models by the weeks of March 29th for elementary grades and April 19th for secondary grades.

Key changes in the update include:

*A simplification of the metrics table and makes clear that Hybrid or On-Site instruction is the primary instructional model for K-12 schools, unless extreme rates of community transmission of COVID-19 makes Comprehensive Distance Learning necessary.

*Clarifies that schools must provide Comprehensive Distance Learning for any student whose family requests it.

*Revises cohorting requirements and recommendations for cohort design. This includes removing the 100-person maximum limit in cohort design.

*Adjusts entry screening requirements and recommendations. All schools must continue to provide on-site entry screening for elementary students while middle and high school students can meet the screening requirements from home.

ODE Director Colt Gill said, “Governor Brown’s Executive Order represents a major step towards our highest priority, returning Oregon’s students to in-person instruction.

A link to the 88-page update is posted: https://www.oregon.gov/ode/students-and-family/healthsafety/Documents/Ready%20Schools%20Safe%20Learners%202020-21%20Guidance.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery