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Virtual media check-in with State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: https://www.facebook.com/CAEducation/videos/1090548041328535/
State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: Today we intend to talk about reopening of schools in the fall, in the context in our work to close the digital divide. Now more than ever, our students need to have access to devices and the internet.
State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: Also, today we will be joined by @Verizon's Maggie Hallbach – VP for Government and Education Markets. Also will have some highlights of forthcoming guidance to be released in early June. And we'll take questions.
State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: We know there are bumps in distance learning. We provide webinars every week, how to serve students with disabilities, English learners and we will continue to do that.
State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: It is graduation season for many students and districts. Congratulations to the class of 2020 everywhere. Things will now shift to summertime, and there will be a break, and work to begin planning on reopening.
State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: We provide guidance to districts, and they make their own decisions. Superintendents statewide will plan reopening for their schools and districts with help from state guidance. They will also work on looking at summer enrichment programs.
State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: Grateful to teachers who will assess students where they're entering. If students need additional support, we know our teachers will provide that. It is hard, and there are lots of Qs and concerns, but our teachers are incredible and will help.
State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: Guidance to expect: When it comes to face coverings, students and staff should be wearing them. We expect physical distancing on schools and busses. We know our best way to prevent the spread is preventative work. Taking temperatures and more.
State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: We expect a balance between distance learning and in-class instruction and we think that will be helpful. When we have more distance learning, we can also have smaller class size. But we need devices, and to close digital divide.
State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: We want to once and for all close digital divide. We need help from everyone to make that happen: CA companies, foundations, individuals who can help. Right now we know we need some 600K+ need a computing device, and 3-4K need hotspots.
State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: We're talking about a minimum of $500 million. Some companies have given to regions that are important to them, like @Verizon. They chose to focus on Los Angeles Unified, but are willing to work with more areas.
State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: Shoutout to founder of @Twitter, who chose to work with Oakland Unified. And thanks, Mayor Libby Schaaf. Thanks to companies who can commit to support schools anywhere, and if you want to help in any one specific place, we can work with you.
State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: We know the economy has been deeply impacted by COVID and we need help from federal government too. Internet connectivity needs to flow like electricity. Grateful also to CA legislators who've joined the Closing the Digital Divide Task Force.
State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: Also grateful to ISPs who have joined the Closing the Digital Divide Task Force meetings. We're asking you to do more, and you're stepping up. Know that closing the digital divide is more important than ever.
State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: Thank you also to those working on food insecurity. We've worked with the @USDA to enable us to provide all of the hungry kids opportunities to get food. Thanks also to food workers at schools everywhere.
. @Verizon's Maggie Hallbach: On March 23, Verizon and @LASchools entered an agreement to provide internet service, then expanded that in response to @CAgovernor's call. Working on process to have same relationship with same all school districts.
. @Verizon's Maggie Hallbach: Districts interested in working together should reach out to account team or contact Verizon at 855-343-7283. Verizon is proud to continue partnering with CA to bridge the digital divide.
State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: We are excited to work with you and others who have worked with the Task Force to Close the Digital Divide. Thank you to all ISPs + companies who have worked with us to provide internet to students. Thank you to State of CA and @californiapuc.
State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: Reach out to donatetech@cde.ca.gov to work with us to close the digital divide.
State Superintendent @TonyThurmond on Q about ISP cooperation with CDE and can @comcast help in Oakland: I know Comcast has a below market cost laptop for students. Now working with us to make connection to manufacturers to benefit CA students and families. Yes, ISPs responsive.
State Superintendent @TonyThurmond answering Q on next steps for task force: How do we build a plan to close divide once and for all. Think about current and future needs both. We need to close divide now, but also to look forward. Not going to stop and will continue to update.
State Superintendent @TonyThurmond answering Q about reopening guidance: It's heavily focused on input from practitioners, teachers, students, parents, educators, labor, management, classified staff and health experts. Everyone working together to be incorporated in guidance.
State Superintendent @TonyThurmond answering Q about reopening guidance: Thanking local and state associations and leaders coming together to work on this. We want to make sure we get it right. Thanks to field, @SBECalifornia, @CAgovernor's office, CA DOF, @Cal_OES & Legislature.
State Superintendent @TonyThurmond: This is a bigger challenge than anything I ever expected in my lifetime, but CA is going to meet that challenge. Together we are working to meet the needs of our 6.2 million students. Stay tuned for updates and stay well.
