ISBE released a comprehensive guidance document today with learning recommendations for the return to school this fall. In a letter introducing this document, State Superintendent Dr. Carmen Ayala highlights three key elements: 

• The requirement that students receive at least 5 clock hours of instruction daily, regardless of whether the setting is in-person, blended, or remote. This includes a “strong” recommendation that 2.5 of these hours consist of synchronous learning, with real-time instruction and interaction between students. 
• The requirement that all districts must provide remote learning services upon request of their parent/guardian (or the student, if over 18 or emancipated). 
• “Strong encouragement” that all students in any learning environment (in-person, blended, remote) have equitable access to extracurricular activities. 

The guidance also includes specific recommendations for in-person, blended, and remote learning programs by grade level (early childhood, elementary, middle and high school) and for students in multilingual and special education programs. At 103 pages, it covers a variety of topics, including addressing learning loss, attending to student social-emotional needs, and planning curriculum that facilitates a shift from in-person instruction to remote learning, if required by changing conditions related to the pandemic. 

You can access the complete Fall 2020 Learning Recommendations and Superintendent Ayala’s letter here.