Our ACPS Guiding Principles for Reopening (minor updates

Our ACPS Guiding Principles for Reopening

Since March 2020, eight principles have guided and informed decision-making and planning for reopening our schools. Subsequently, throughout this 6.0 reopening planning process, we have included a ninth, new principle centered on the critical role of social and emotional supports for students and staff. As we worked with various internal and external stakeholders, the principles have enabled us to focus on instruction, coordination, collaboration, trust, flexibility, communication, technology, and others' inclusion in the reopening process. The following principles provide the foundation of the work that occurred in the school division as well as the efforts going forward.

Figure 2

Nine Guiding Principles Used for Reopening Schools

1. Increase Equitable Access to Improve Learning Outcomes for All Students: Through the use of data and progress monitoring, schools will use resources, time, and support to help students progress, including monitoring and addressing any learning loss that may have occurred as a result of school closings. 2. Ensure the Voices of Students, Parents, and Families Are Heard: The 6.0 reopening Playbook includes feedback and recommendations from key stakeholder groups, including students, parents, and families. 3. Study Lessons Learned and Data for Preparation and Execution: Strategic efforts will be implemented to learn from other school divisions, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC), and other research related to reopening. 4. Continue to Value and Strengthen Community/Partner Collaboration and Coordination: The school division will continue to provide reopening updates and seek input from Thought

Partners, city officials, and other groups as well as ensuring alignment with city, state, and national protocols. 5. Incorporate Social and Emotional Supports for Students and Staff Every Day: The school division will continue to implement social, emotional, and academic learning supports and services for all students to meet their needs. The school division will prioritize “connection

before content” to create learning environments that embrace relationship building and community. 6. Build Trust and Allow Creative Ideas for Reopening: The school division will continue to provide forums for seeking input, feedback, and perspectives related to reopening, including lessons learned from school closings to enhance educational efficacy and organizational effectiveness. 7. Embrace Flexibility While Facing Unprecedented Challenges: Given that these are unprecedented times, flexibility will be valued and supported during the reopening. The school division will respect and address creative and innovative recommendations from key stakeholders as we move toward a new status quo. 8. Continue to Provide Clear, Consistent, and Frequent Communication/Collaboration: Efforts will be instituted to ensure that information is made available to both internal and external stakeholders through webinars, Zoom conferences, school-based websites, newsletters, social media, and conversations with the superintendents. 9. Ensure Students Have Access to Technology and Connectivity: Technology is critical in addressing the digital divide and in ensuring equity and achievement for all learning.