As local educational agencies (LEA) grapple with ways to safely deliver educational programs to their students this school year while complying with existing laws as well as laws enacted through the 2020–21 State Budget, the California Department of Education (CDE) has started posting Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) relating to the provision of distance learning and other related components of Senate Bill 98 (Chapter 24, Statutes of 2020)—the education trailer omnibus bill that governs much of the instructional authority of LEAs during COVID-19.
Some of the questions the CDE hopes to provide additional clarity around include the conditions under which LEAs can offer distance learning and related requirements, such as ensuring that students have daily live interaction with teachers and peers. Notably missing from the evolving list is how LEAs should account for attendance under distance learning or a blended instructional model, with particular guidance on measuring the time value of student assignments and/or work. We understand that the CDE intends to provide additional answers to pending questions, so be sure to revisit the website periodically.