Ed Lab: School starts on Monday. Are your kids ready?
Hello, education readers:
So much news, so little time. This week marked the first week of school for some students in Fresno County. Others will begin classes Monday. Are your kids ready?
All schools in Fresno County will be distance learning until state COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. Clovis Unified presented its 2020-2021 distance learning strategic plan at the school board meeting on Wednesday night.
Most districts’ distance learning plan has two options: a more strict schedule option, with teachers teaching live via a video call, or a more flexible digital “home school” option where parents make the schedules. Which option have you chosen?
At least one private school attempted to return to regular classes.
Students of the Immanuel Schools in Reedley started the fall semester Thursday. The Fresno County Department of Public Health ordered the K-12 school not to open. It’s unclear what will happen if the school continues to offer in-person classes. The matter may end up in Fresno County Superior Court.
Digital divide
Districts are working to ensure every student can log in and report for class. Clovis Unified received $29 million from the CARES act to make sure schools have proper PPE and to help close the budget gaps caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Districts can use that money to provide hotspots and devices such as laptops and tablets for students who need those tools.
Fresno Unified and Central Unified also are working on finding out which students still need digital devices and internet access. Does your student need internet access? Let us know in our survey!
Ethnic studies
Fresno Unified approved Ethnic Studies courses as a requirement for FUSD students to graduate.
Teachers and students feel the new classes will provide a safe space for students to examine racism in a way that isn’t always explored in history classes.
“These courses center the experiences of historically racialized groups and provides a safe space for students to examine racism and the institutions that uphold it,” said Patricia D. López, a Fresno State professor.
FUSD trustee censured
The censure of Fresno Unified Trustee Terry Slatic was extended for a second year. The censure resolution will remain in effect until Slatic takes anger management classes and implicit bias, cultural and sensitivity training.
Ed Lab reporter Moncia Velez has the latest on how his censure is different entering year two.
Higher education
Ashleigh Panoo followed up on area pharmacy students who learned they won’t be able to attend classes just days before said classes were to begin.
The California Health Sciences University in Clovis learned just this week its pre-accreditation status was withdrawn.
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The Education Lab is a local journalism initiative that highlights education issues critical to the advancement of the San Joaquin Valley. It is funded by donors. Learn more about The Bee’s Education Lab here.