The Los Angeles County Office of Education released its guidelines Wednesday for the safe reopening of schools preschool to 12th grade.
The 45-page plan includes limiting classes to 16 students, one-way hallways, lunch seated at their desks, a staggered school day, masks required for all students, and more use of outdoor space.
The new document affects 2 million students and their families.
“Our main priority is health and safety,” Debra Duardo, the superintendent for the L.A. County Office of Education, which provides services and financial oversight for the county’s 80 school systems told the Los Angeles Times. “Unfortunately some of the things that children could enjoy in the past, they’re not going to be able to do that.”
Keeping younger students apart may prove more challenging than older students. One suggestion has been the use of hula hoops.
As for the children keeping masks on and sanitary, particularly students with disabilities or health issues, adds another layer of difficulty.
As heroic as teachers and administrators were once stay-at-home orders forced distance learning in L.A. County, teachers have reported extreme difficulties in engaging students without in-person learning.