Hello Florida PTA Members,
Florida PTA sent letters to Governor DeSantis, Commissioner Corcoran, and State Board of Education Chair Andy Tuck requesting an extension of distance learning as Executive Order 2020-06 is set to expire December 31, 2020. The letters are included in this eblast for our members to view. This request follows previous position statements and information shared related to school reopenings.
The State Board of Education has a meeting scheduled for November 18th and Commissioner Corcoran is expected to make an announcement regarding EO 2020-06 before Thanksgiving.
*National PTA positions that support healthy schools:
Below is a link to an article mentioning which states were moving toward a suspension of their school accountability systems for the 2020-2021 academic year through either potential federal waivers or pending legislation for your review.
Florida PTA shares concerns and appreciates the effort to retain "high-quality school choices for Florida students and families with a focus on eliminating achievement gaps, which may have been exacerbated by the crisis; and maintaining services that are legally required for all students, such as low-income, English language learning, and students with disabilities". It is also true that there may be children who from a physical safety and/or social-emotional viewpoint may be safer in schools.
However, the overall health, safety and well-being of children and educators must remain a priority as return-to-school plans continue to be designed and implemented. The planning, implementation, and monitoring stages of fully reopening schools to a brick and mortar setting must include parents, families, students, educators, school employees, public health experts, health practitioners and community members in the decision making.
With thanks,
Jen Martinez
Florida PTA President
