Guam Department of Education answers school reopening questions

There's no simple answer to the pressing question: How will my child's school reopen?

Here are the issues for the return of face-to-face instruction in Guam Department of Education schools, based on a resolution approved by the Guam Education Board earlier this week.

When will students attend face-to-face classes?

Face-to-face instruction will be divided into cohorts and students attend schools on alternating days to comply with physical distancing requirements. On Jan. 4, 2021, online and hard-copy classes commence, and staff members will undergo training. On Jan. 19, 2021, public schools start face-to-face instruction. 

How many students want to attend in-person instruction?

One-third of parents and students want to return face-to-face, according to school surveys.

I heard hard-copy distributions is no longer an option. Is that true?

No; public schools continue to offer hard-copy instruction, though the Guam Department of Education will progressively phase out the model by next summer. Face-to-face instruction, hard-copy and online learning will continue to be offered.

What if I need a laptop?

Guam DOE has issued half of the 8,000 laptops for distance learning options for families. Another 10,000 laptops are expected to arrive on island for the next semester. Families, including parents of elementary students, can apply for a laptop by contacting their child's school.

What if my child needs a new space to study?

Guam DOE  will open 21 community learning centers at public schools to provide students with internet and after-hour support. 

How will sports work?

Interscholastic sports plans envision two seasons for the remainder of the school year, beginning with low-risk and moderate-risk sports.

How will Guam DOE ensure my child's safety?

Schools require systematic symptom and temperature checks, the use of face masks, regular washing and disinfecting of hands, frequent cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces, and six-foot physical distancing. 

Will teachers receive vaccines?

Guam DOE is exploring ways for educators to obtain vaccines, on top of piloting a rapid testing framework, if possible, for employees. 

Will schools have contact tracing teams?

Yes, Guam DOE will establish an internal contact tracing unit by trained employees who will respond first to any potential or confirmed COVID-19 case. 

How is Guam DOE measuring COVID-19 cases?

In November, Guam DOE launched the school readiness dashboard, which tracks core public health indicators based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention thresholds pertaining to the risk of introduction and transmission of COVID-19. On Dec. 15, the education board formally adopted the dashboard as a metric to assess school readiness. 

What policies have been waived?

Rules mandating uniforms, attendance, instructional subjects for elementary students, middle school curriculum requirements and service learning remain suspended.

Will my child take federal assessment tests?

Guam DOE will request a waiver for locally adopted, end-of-year summative assessments including: first-, second-, 11th- and 12th-grade English language arts, math and science exams, in addition to first- to 12th-grade social studies tests. Guam DOE will also request a waiver from the U.S. Department of Education for all federally required, end-of-year summative assessments for third- to 10th-grade English language arts, math and science.

How many students are missing?

During the early weeks of the academic year, 2,700 students were unaccounted for across the island. That number has dropped to 570 students by the end of the first semester. Guam DOE is exploring home visitation possibilities, though social distancing protocols have impeded progress. 

Reach reporter Anne Wen at awen@guampdn.com.