COVID-19 Guidance & Suggestions

This site contains guidance and resources for Arizona’s public district and charter schools as they navigate COVID-19 response. Please continue to check this page for updates and guidance.

Federal Recovery Dollars in Action

The Arizona Department of Education is using federal recovery and relief dollars to invest in strategic projects and initiatives that support Arizona students and schools. See our full list of projects and allocations.

Allocations of ESSER III dollars have been announced. Download the list of allocations here.

Update: Federal Waivers

June 2021

ADE is seeking a one-year waiver on behalf of the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and its subgrantees pursuant to section 8401 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA).

Read the letter from Superintendent Hoffman to learn more about the specific requirements included in this waiver request.

Public comments regarding this request are encouraged and now open from June 11 - 25, 2021.

April 2021

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has waived the accountability, school identification, and related reporting requirements for Arizona for the 2020-2021 school year.

• Formal letter from ED
• ADE's waiver request
• Public comment for the waiver

Face Coverings in Schools

Universal and correct use of masks is the top mitigation strategy for safe in-person learning as recommended by the CDC.  ADE strongly encourages all individuals in public schools to wear masks on campus and during school-associated activities. 

School buses are subject to the specific federal order that requires masks on all conveyances in the United States. Guidance on this order is available from the CDC and the U.S. Department of Transportation. ADE is unable to provide legal advice and districts should consult with their attorneys to ensure they are following federal law.

Public school districts and charters on or adjacent to tribal lands and those with staff and students affiliated with Arizona’s federally recognized tribal nations are encouraged to honor tribal public health orders. You can find more guidance from the ADE Office of Policy and Government Relations here.