The PA Department of Education recently sent a communication to school leaders regarding state assessments that usually occur throughout the spring months. According to PDE, if the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) invites state waivers for this school year’s assessment, PDE will carefully consider such an option and will quickly survey local education agency leadership to gather data regarding a waiver request.
Secondly, PDE offered that if the USDE requires states to move forward with assessment administration, they will quickly issue guidance that balances, to the greatest extent possible, the complexities of statewide testing during the pandemic and safety considerations for students, staff, and families.
COVID-19 Vaccine News
The Pennsylvania Department of Health recently launched a new tool called Your Turn to help Pennsylvanians understand where they fall in the vaccine prioritization effort and to be alerted when it is their turn to schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Pennsylvania is currently in Phase 1A. Those in the education community are in Phase 1B. This new tool also shows how to find a vaccine provider and schedule an appointment if your school or district is not handling this for you.
PIAA Mandates Mask Wearing
For the upcoming PIAA winter postseason tournaments, masks will be mandatory for state championships this year. Apparently, mask wearing during these competitions were left up to individual districts, but it will be required for all teams entering the new competitions. The only exception will be players with a medical exemption.
Any PIAA postseason tournament team will also be required to submit a COVID-19 screening and a face covering certification before entering the tournament.
