Review‌ ‌the‌ ‌latest‌ ‌information‌ ‌related‌ ‌to‌ ‌the‌ ‌coronavirus‌ ‌disease‌ ‌2019‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌pandemic.‌ Our special education attorneys and advocates can help you and your child prepare for the return to school.

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)

  • ACPS has shared that they will be utilizing a concurrent teaching model when school returns in January. This will allow maximum flexibility for staff and students who may want or need to learn virtually.
    • Concurrent teaching means that a student’s current teacher will continue to teach them whether they are learning virtually or in-person. That teacher will be teaching students virtually and in-person at the same time.
  • ACPS hopes to start hybrid learning in February.

Arlington Public Schools (APS)

  • APS’ distance learning focus groups have provided some feedback, such as the desire for more small-group instructions and fewer digital materials for younger students. Their task force will take this feedback into consideration to develop strategies for learning moving into January.
  • Specific details regarding in-person learning for students in Levels 2 and 3 will be shared in early January.

 

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)

  • In response to students struggling with academics during this time, FCPS has revised some of their grading policies. The changes include:
    • Designating a score of 50 as the lowest grade on a 100-point scale
    • Dropping the minimum number of assignments per quarter from nine to six
    • Accepting late work on major assignments with minimal penalty
    • Capping the maximum weight of an assignment or assessment at 20%
  • FCPS is also planning to modify their bell schedules, which will be announced soon.
  • Students in Group 3 have returned to virtual instruction due to current health metrics.
  • FCPS has deployed safety teams to monitor and ensure that COVID-19 mitigation strategies are being implemented within schools, including:
    • Proper use of masks or face coverings
    • Social distancing
    • Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
    • Cleaning and disinfection
    • Contact tracing in collaboration with the health department

Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS)

  • FCCPS is still planning to return staff to buildings on Jan. 4, 2021, unless health metrics dictate otherwise.
  • They plan to announce which groups of students will return and when shortly. FCCPS is hoping that they will all be ready to return within the first couple of weeks.

Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS)

  • LCPS has decided to return to 100% distance learning because their core indicators have exceeded the health and safety thresholds.

Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS)

  • SCPS has announced that, from January 4–11, 2021, all students will return to a virtual learning environment except for those with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) who come to schools through Plan C and those who participate in Internet Cafes. This decision was made based on the anticipation that traveling students and staff could become exposed to COVID-19. It allows them to complete quarantine recommendations before returning to school buildings.
  • Middle and high school families have been asked to select their preferred educational model and transportation requirements for students going into the second semester. They can choose between a hybrid or a 100% virtual model. This survey must be completed by Jan. 6.