Virginia education officials update priorities for local school districts following Northam’s recommendation of in-person return

The Virginia Department of Education is asking local school districts to place an emphasis on younger learners, students with disabilities, and extra time for English studies as part of their guidelines for the return of in-person learning endorsed by Governor Ralph Northam.

Educational opportunities should be prioritized over extracurricular activities and community events and focusing on preventative measures to stop the spread of COVID are also high on the priority list in directives sent to Virginia’s elementary, middle, and high schools.

The guide also says that schools can choose a less restrictive approach to reopening their facilities and that cities and counties must continue to provide online learning as a viable option for those students that need it.

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