Salem-Keizer Public Schools to use distance learning only for first nine weeks of new year

Salem-Keizer Public Schools Superintendent Christy Perry announced Tuesday that all students will begin the first nine weeks of the upcoming school year using comprehensive distance learning and no in-person instruction. 

Earlier Tuesday, the Oregon Department of Education released additional guidance for schools that included metrics on safely reopening schools for in-person instruction, with Gov. Kate Brown announcing benchmark metrics counties and the state must hit to have any face-to-face classes.

The news was presented to Salem-Keizer School Board members Tuesday evening in their latest work session.

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"We know this is heartbreaking for those students and families who were counting on in-person learning in September," Perry said. "This direction from the state prioritizes the safety of our educators, children and families, and community."

In October, Salem-Keizer leaders will review metrics and create a timeline for moving into blended learning as early as in mid-November, officials said in a press release. The blended learning model is also known as a hybrid model, which uses both in-person and online instruction.

Students in kindergarten through 10th grade will not attend in person until the week of Nov. 16 at the earliest. November 16 is the beginning of the second quarter of the school year.

Students in grades 11 and 12 will not attend in person until the second semester at the earliest, which begins on Feb. 2, 2021.

Perry said students in grades 11 and 12 are on a different timeline because of the individualized nature of their required and elective courses.

"We want students in these grades to be able to maintain and complete the specialized advanced programming like Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, music, and career technical education that they have worked so hard to attain," she said.

Because of the constraints of cohorting — grouping students together on a regular basis to limit any spread and make contact tracing easier — Perry said this is more supportive of the older students so they can participate in their courses of choice.

That said, comprehensive distance learning will not look like distance learning from last year, according to district leadership.

Perry said this year's comprehensive distance learning will include significantly more teacher-facilitated instruction, more independent and family-supported applied learning, daily attendance, students will earn grades and high school students will earn credits.

Additionally, the district is following guidance from Oregon School Activities Associations regarding sports and other extracurricular activities. Guidance allows some practice and a tentative date for first competitions for some sports on September 23, district officials said.

Others districts, including Woodburn schools, have made similar announcements to st art the year with only distance learning instruction. 

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Salem-Keizer also will implement a slow start to the school year.

The week of Sept. 8 will be used to establish connections with students and families, leaders said. The official start of comprehensive distance learning, including the recently announced online-only EDGE academy program, is set for Sept. 14. 

"We struggle with this news as you do," Perry said.

"We miss our students in the schools and value in-person learning, which is where we want to be sooner than later," she said. "Know we are committed to our educators, students and families, and stand with you during this time."

For more information, go to salkeiz.k12.or.us.

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Natalie Pate is the education reporter for the Statesman Journal. She can be reached at npate@StatesmanJournal.com, 503-399-6745, Twitter @Nataliempate or Facebook at www.Facebook.com/nataliepatejournalist.