As part of the Executive Order, all public schools may submit a Distance Learning Plan (DLP) to receive the flexibility to offer distance learning options for students without an approved Arizona Online Instruction (AOI) program for the 2020-2021 school year. School districts are required to submit a DLP to the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) prior to implementing distance learning. School districts may begin operating their DLP prior to August 17th upon submission of the plan to ADE.
School districts that wish to provide distance learning under Executive Order 2020-41 must create a DLP using this template. School districts not utilizing the appropriate template will be required to revise and resubmit their plans. Plans not submitted in the template must wait to begin DL instruction until the plan is submitted in the approved template. The template is a Word document that must be completed in its entirety and submitted via email to [email protected].
School Districts may make revisions to improve their DLP at any time but, must submit those changes to the ADE within 10 business days of any substantive revision. School districts should contact the ADE at [email protected] to revise their DLP.
In accordance with ADHS Emergency Measure 2020-03 "Slowing the Spread of COVID-19: Reporting Requirements", schools, childcare establishments, and shelters are required to report outbreaks to their local health department within 24 hours of identification. The local health department will make the final determination on whether an outbreak is occurring. To facilitate early investigation of suspected outbreaks, please see the following guidelines for reporting cases:
Two or more individuals report COVID-19 symptoms to the facility (with or without confirmatory testing) within 14 days and the most plausible transmission mechanism is at the facility.
Multiple individuals are out sick above what is usual or expected for the facility without any clear transmission link.
Please contact your local health department or visit their website to determine the required format for reporting in your county.
If your local health department determines that there is an outbreak in a school, childcare, or shelter, the following reporting requirements apply:
Schools, child care centers, or shelters shall report to current staff, faculty, students, and students' parents and guardians within 24 hours of confirmation.
Schools, child care centers, or shelters shall provide regular updates on their activities to keep current staff, faculty, students, students' parents, and guardians safe.
To facilitate the process of notifying your school community of a confirmed outbreak, the Arizona Department of Education created a template for notifying parents, guardians, and staff.
The Arizona Department of Health Services issued guidance for schools and child care regarding individuals with symptoms. The guidance is available HERE.
Arizona Department of Education: General Guidance
Guidance on Teacher and Principal Evaluations. View HERE.
