Educators, parents and families are facing uncertainties and competing priorities as they weigh the risks and benefits of opening school campuses, supporting distance learning, or a using a hybrid strategy.

What do we know about COVID-19 at this point? How can we optimize physical safety in schools? What can we do within our communities to minimize transmission? How can we ensure learning whether schools are physically open or closed? What can schools do to help meet the social-emotional needs of students? These are just some of the questions schools need to address as the school year begins.

PTA LISTENS TO PARENTS

California State PTA and our partner the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) held a series of listening and networking sessions in May and June to learn more about what was going on across the state with families and schools. We compiled this report which analyzes the lessons learned from the three sessions.

The report details families' experiences during the first months of the pandemic, and identifies available resources to address the needs of parents and families. The report also summarizes key take-aways for schools around decision making in distance learning and the safe reopening of schools.

“Most of all we learned that families want to know what is going on,” said Carol Green, President-Elect of California State PTA. “Two-way communication is key. Families want to work with schools as partners in decision making and be part of the solution.”

KEY QUESTIONS FOR FAMILIES TO ASK – PACE POLICY BRIEF

Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE), in cooperation with California State PTA, produced "Navigating the Uncertainty of Reopening Schools: A Guide for Parents, Families and the Public." This report summarizes the current state of knowledge about key issues, and suggests a set of questions that parents and educators should ask when considering plans for reopening during the pandemic. This summary infographic serves as a valuable handout for community discussions.

“This report informs parents and helps raise important questions about health, equity, social-emotional issues, and effective teaching and learning,” said Celia Jaffe, President of California State PTA. “We hope that it will prompt discussions among all concerned as to when and how to conduct schooling during the pandemic.”

California State PTA encourages the wide distribution of these important sources of information to families, school leaders and communities.

Please also visit www.capta.org for additional resources.