COVID-19 Update 09.17.20

Sept. 17th

Debra Duardo, M.S.W., Ed.D.

Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools

Our efforts to close the digital divide took a step forward on Sept. 15 when the LA County Board of Supervisors approved LACOE's proposal to allocate $12.8 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to purchase devices and hotspots for students in need.

Equity is at the heart of the Board's action. I am grateful for their support, which will have a positive impact on our children and families who have been historically underserved.

A LACOE survey found that some 27,000 devices and 21,000 hotspots are still needed by districts for students to use at home. We expect the funds allocated will close the gap based on our districts' identified need.

Every child has the constitutional right to a free public education. My priority is to ensure that no child in LA County is denied that right because they don't have a computer or internet at home.

My thanks again to the Board of Supervisors for making our students' needs a priority.

Public Health Update

Sports: student athletes are permitted to be on campus (outdoors only) for conditioning and skill building. They are to follow the reopening protocol for Youth Sports Leagues. These students do not count toward the 10% cap for small groups/cohorts.

Expanded learning programs are considered childcare and do not count toward the 10% cap for small groups/cohorts.

PSAT/SAT testing at school site: At this time, this testing is not allowed. The California Dept. of Public Health is to issue state guidance on testing. LA County Public Health is waiting for this guidance.

Accountability, Support & Monitoring

Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan:

Education Code 43509, established by SB 98, outlines specific timeline requirements for the Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan:

LEAs must hold a public hearing on its LCP prior to its adoption by the local governing board. Per EC 43509(b)(4), the agenda for the public hearing shall be posted at least 72 hours before the public hearing and shall include the location where the learning continuity and attendance plan will be available for public inspection.

The LEA’s governing board must adopt the plan at a public meeting which shall be held after, but not on the same day as, the public hearing. This adoption must occur prior to Sept. 30, 2020.

The plan must be filed with LACOE no later than five days after its adoption by the governing board. (A charter school must also file the plan with its authorizer.)

As needed, the county office may provide school districts with written recommendations for amendments to the plan. Recommendations will be sent to districts by Oct. 30, 2020.

If a school district receives written recommendations from LACOE, its governing board shall consider the recommendations submitted by the county superintendent of schools in a public meeting within 15 days of receiving the recommendations [EC 43509(c)(1)].

LEAs may contact LACOE’s LCAP office with any questions regarding the timeline or other LCP requirements at lcap@lacoe.edu.

Curriculum & Instruction

LACOE’s Equity, Access and Curriculum Support unit is proud to partner with the Museum of Tolerance to offer two timely professional development opportunities.

Monday Masterclass: The Anti-Racist Educator — Engaging with Students through an Equity and Justice Framework in A Remote Learning World

Monday, Sept. 21 | 2:30-3:45 pm

Dr. Victor Rios is a professor, author, Ted Talk speaker and subject of the documentary film “The Pushouts.” He will discuss how educators can implement practices and virtual tools with their students to advance justice, equity, anti-racism and inclusion.