Updated Wednesday, April 8, 2020
The State Board of Education unanimously approved an order that implements a Distance Learning Plan to complete the 2019-20 school year for Oklahoma students without reopening school buildings. The approval comes as numbers grow for positive COVID-19 cases in the state. Read the full press release by clicking here.
The amount of information that’s constantly emerging is so staggering, it seems nearly impossible to keep up. Here is a brief list of resources from the State of Oklahoma resources to address key issues, places parents can turn to as so many schools are closed for now, and telecommuting tips to help with maintaining social distancing practices. The list is nowhere near exhaustive, nor is it intended to be. We’ll be continually updating what’s here, and posting selective new info via our Facebook page.
May these resources inform you without overwhelming and may you find them useful and timely to share with the families and the professionals you serve.
Sources:
Oklahoma State Department of Health – https://coronavirus.health.ok.gov/
Oklahoma State Department of Education – https://sde.ok.gov/
Oklahoma State Department of Education – Special Education Services – https://sde.ok.gov/special-education
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by a new virus called SARS-CoV-2. The most common symptoms of the disease are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Most people with COVID-19 will have mild disease but some people will get sicker and may need to be hospitalized.
Click here for Oklahoma’s most updated data.
Resources are available now and being updated as new information becomes available. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has developed guidance for schools that includes information on what to do in the event of COVID-19 being identified in the school community and FAQs for school administrators.
Please bookmark the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) web page devoted to the coronavirus outbreak. This site contains a number of guidance documents – many from the CDC and other public health entities – on prevention, symptoms, testing and more. In addition, a dedicated COVID-19 Call Center is open to the public for any questions regarding the Oklahoma response at 877-215-8336.
The United States Department of Education (USDE) has also made resources and guidance documents available at ed.gov/coronavirus. To help adults talk to children about COVID-19, both the CDC and PBS have developed resources.
Together we can ensure that public schools, students and staff are in safe and healthy environments and that the most up-to-date information is shared with education stakeholders as it becomes available. We have received a number of questions from districts, which you will find below:
April 7, 2020
CARES ACT Waivers
Coronavirus/COVID-19 FAQs for Oklahoma Public Schools
April 1, 2020
Assessment and Accountability Waiver Public Comment
March 31, 2020
Coronavirus/COVID-19 FAQs for Oklahoma Public Schools
March 30, 2020
USDA approves Oklahoma’s request for free meals for all students regardless of school free and reduced lunch percentage
March 27, 2020
OSDE Distance Learning Resources
CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 WAIVERS AND ASSURANCES
March 26, 2020
COVID-19 Technology Incentives
March 23, 2020
Coronavirus/COVID-19 FAQs for Oklahoma Public Schools
March 20, 2020
OSDE Request to USDE for Waiver of 2020 Assessment & Accountability Requirements
March 19, 2020
Hofmeister to request federal waiver suspending state testing for school year
March 17, 2020
Important Notice Regarding COVID-19: OSDE, TRS Offices Closed to the Public Effective Immediately
March 14, 2020
As we continue to develop resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic, OSDE wants to ensure you have access to updated information and guidance being developed on an ongoing basis by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Centers for Disease Control “School Decision Tree” and considerations for school closure resource
School Decisions Responding to COVID-19
CDC Resource: Considerations for School Closure
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