April-2020-Special-Edition

INFORMING

4 CEA ADVISOR SPECIAL EDITION • APRIL 2020

Frequently Asked Questions THE LATEST GUIDANCE ON STUDENT ATTENDANCE, GRADING, TEACHER NONRENEWALS, AND MORE

As of press time, Connecticut schools are closed through at least May 20 due to the coronavirus pandemic. “We hope to welcome students back,” Commissioner of Education Miguel Cardona recently said, but added, “At this point we are taking precautions, and if we have to extend class cancellations, we will.” As Governor Ned Lamont continues to issue new executive orders and modify recommendations based on emerging developments around public health and safety, CEA continues to work with the State Department of Education and other education stakeholders on the best ways for Connecticut schools to proceed. Top priorities include student and teacher safety and supporting continuity of learning. Here are answers to many of your commonly asked questions. For additional, up-to-the-minute guidance, visit cea.org/2020-coronavirus/faq . CEA updates its site each time new guidance and rules are issued.

How is student attendance to be tracked and reported while in- school instruction is suspended? School districts must make every reasonable effort to have all students participate as fully as possible in available continued education opportunities. Recognizing that tracking student attendance may be problematic, however, the SDE will treat a student’s attendance record as it was on the school day before classes were canceled (i.e., March 16, 2020), supplemented by the student’s attendance record if in- person school classes resume before the district’s scheduled closing date in June. Districts may ask teachers and support staff to connect with all students to maintain relationships and assist with issues and concerns related to assignments. These connections should be documented and tracked as appropriate, and the SDE recommends that teachers have the option of referring a student who is exhibiting inadequate engagement to a school or district team responsible for school attendance. How will student grading be affected by the switch to distance learning? While local and regional boards of education maintain discretion over grading policies, the Connecticut State Department of Education is encouraging districts to focus priorities on student engagement and learning. The SDE recommends that schools

Are there special considerations for student transcripts and college/ postsecondary recommendations? The SDE recommends that districts modify transcripts to provide adequate context about the disruption caused by COVID-19 and the resulting change in grading for the period after March 1, 2020. Districts should also use recommendations to supplement pass/fail protocols and share information with colleges, vocational programs, and other postsecondary opportunities concerning students’ academic strengths and interests, personal qualities, roles in the school community, extracurricular accomplishments, and other qualitative assessments of their potential contribution to a school or program. Will a pass/fail protocol impact student athletes? In communication with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the commitment was made that a pass/fail or pass/incomplete will not have a negative impact on student athletes.

• Students who may need counseling or mental health services that they have not received at home • Students who are sick, caring for a family member, or dealing with the trauma of loss resulting from the pandemic • Disengaged students who could regain their agency, with a second chance and counseling, and attain a passing grade and credit Pass with Distinction: In some cases, districts may wish to recognize students who worked at a very high academic level during this extraordinary time and celebrate their efforts with a designation of “Pass with Distinction.”

adopt a locally guided pass/fail protocol while providing continued educational opportunities. “Pass” markings confirm that students satisfactorily completed the necessary credits pursuant to the Connecticut General Statutes, 10- 221a. The SDE has identified the following potential options for pass/fail grading policies: Standard Pass/Fail: The traditional pass/fail standard, similar to that offered by many colleges, graduate schools, and high schools. Pass/Incomplete: This standard would apply to students in grades 9, 10, and 11. Students who are unable to complete their online assignments would have a district-determined timeline to complete their work and receive either a pass or fail grade. This option supports • Students without adequate access to technology • Students with IEPs in need of direct support or additional resources • English language learners

The April CEA Advisor mailed earlier this month answered teachers’ most pressing questions regarding school closures, with topics ranging from the status of standardized tests, TEAM, and teacher evaluations to issues related to FERPA and DCF. Answers to these initial questions and others are available at cea.org/2020-coronavirus .