Update from AVUHSD
February 18, 2021
“At-School” Academic Supports- What is allowed for Grades 7-12?
Earlier this week, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced that the county met the state threshold to allow students in grades TK-6 to return to in-person instruction. While this return is limited to elementary students at this time, we wanted to share with you what is allowed for our students.
Currently, AVUHSD has welcomed back small, stable cohorts of students receiving specialized instruction in special education. This small group of students originally attended in-person classes from October through November, before returning to “At-Home” learning for the holidays and post-holiday COVID-19 surge. This past Tuesday, those students resumed in-person instruction with their teachers at each of our eight comprehensive high schools.
Next week at our regularly scheduled Board meeting, the Board will consider taking action on an agreement with the Antelope Valley Union High School District Teachers Association (AVTA) that will provide the ability for the District to fully implement a Stable Cohort Model that aligns with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Reopening Protocols for K-12 Schools: Appendix T1. We are truly grateful for both our labor groups, AVTA and CSEA, who have worked tirelessly to support the safe return of students and staff alike. Collectively, we agree that students are best served inside our classrooms with our staff and we are committed to maximizing any opportunity to do so.
What does this mean for my student?
The restrictions of the Reopening Protocols for K-12 Schools: Appendix T1 do not allow for students in grades 7th through 12th to return to campus for grade level instruction at this time. However, using the guidance on stable cohorts, we will begin to offer “At School” academic support for students from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm two days per week, as determined by the assigned cohort at each of our eight (8) comprehensive high schools. Students participating will be assigned to a teacher who will provide academic support across all classes. Teachers will also help to connect students to additional resources provided by the District. While attendance will be taken, no grades or additional credits will be issued for participation in this program.
The District is prioritizing student groups to return for this “At School” academic support, beginning with Seniors who are at-risk of not graduating. The Senior cohorts are anticipated to begin on Monday, March 1st. Additional groups will be added thereafter up to the 25% of total allowable students.
What is the Stable Cohort Model?
A stable cohort at this time consists of up to 14 students and 2 supervising adults.
The stable cohort is to provide specialized, in-person services that cannot be met through a virtual instruction platform.
Specialized services may include special education related services, educational support services as part of a targeted intervention strategy, assessments, etc.
Cohorts must stay together for all activities and avoid contact with people outside of their group in the setting.
The total number of students present on any campus at any time does not exceed 25% of the total student body.
Offices Reopening
Site and District offices are now open to the public. Our site and District administrative teams are ensuring that all safety protocols based on L.A.County Department of Public Health will be in place. Please be prepared to complete a health screening, including a temperature check when visiting any school or district office.