K-12 Schools Can Resume In-Person Instruction July 1

School bus
Photo credit jetcityimage/ Getty Images

HARRISBURG (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced Wednesday that elementary and secondary schools in the commonwealth can resume in-person instruction and activities beginning July 1.

Schools must be located in the state’s yellow or green phase in order to resume.

Schools must develop a health and safety plan that are in accordance with guidelines from the CDC and the PA Department of Health.

Postsecondary institutions and adult basic education programs may resume June 5 following the development of a health and safety plan.

“The Wolf administration remains committed to the safety and welfare of students, faculty and staff, and any reopening plan must be rooted in these principles,” said Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera. “As school leaders resume instruction in the 2020-21 school year, the department recognizes the need for preliminary guidance to aid in planning for a return to in-person instruction, delivery of services, and resumption of extracurricular activities.”

and further guidance will be provided as further research is conducted and more data and resources becoming available.

Later this month the Department will release more guidance “that outlines steps for school openings while addressing safe operations, teaching and learning and student wellness – with attention to equity throughout.”

“Educators, students and caregivers have done a remarkable job as we all navigate through this pandemic,” added Secretary Rivera. “Now we need to direct our energy to focus on how to resume instruction in the 2020-21 school year. We fully expect students to return to classrooms in some capacity and are confident that schools will use this guidance to build a framework that best meets the unique needs of their students and communities.” 

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