Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Several new topics were added to the list of flexibility framework provisions for the upcoming school year. While some things like attendance, pupil count dates, compulsory school attendance, and open enrollment remain the same, several other areas will have flexibilities schools and districts may use. New topics with flexibilities include fire and tornado safety drills and educator effectiveness.
Schools are still required to hold fire and tornado safety drills if they are holding in-person classes. For those implementing all virtual learning, the safety drills do not have to be conducted but must state why in the required annual report.
School districts may apply for a waiver for the 2020-21 school year if they are unable to fulfill the six educator effectiveness minimal implementation requirements. However, the Department of Public Instruction published the Educator Effectiveness System Policy Guide in January 2020 to support implementation, and districts may find it helpful in examining flexibilities for this school year.
Past topics addressed in the regulatory flexibility framework provisions include licensure, school and child nutrition programs, school day milk program, and transportation. See the full list for detailed explanations of each.