NW Minnesota News

Gov. Tim Walz recently released a five-step "Safe Learning Plan" for the upcoming school year.

The five-step plan will utilize a "localized, data-driven approach" that will use a learning plan based on a case-by-case basis depending on the number of COVID-19 cases in the district.

Step 1 states that the Minnesota Department of Health determines the base learning model through a formula. This utilizes the data published by the health department.

Step 2 states that districts must consult with health officials. Health officials may be able to pinpoint an outbreak that doesn't affect the school system. In other words, outbreaks may not impact the school setting. 

Step 3 states that school districts must evaluate the best health practices pointed out by the health department. Schools must implement a set of rules that students and educators must follow, such as mandatory face coverings and social distancing protocols.

Step 4 states that school districts must determine what the best learning model for their schools is in order to start the school year. This is determining whether they will continue with the online learning model, a hybrid model or a full face-to-face learning model.

Step 5 states that education officials must monitor the community and school-level influence of the coronavirus regularly. If the district finds that the coronavirus threat is too great, they must have a plan to revert back to the online learning model.