Schools have also been given the option to continue remote learning or to develop a hybrid approach, at the discretion of the school district or private school. To reopen, the districts and private schools must certify that they can meet required health and safety protocols, as well as provide a remote learning option for parents who request it. Schools that cannot meet health and safety protocols are required to provide remote instruction to all students. Many districts are preparing for a hybrid model of instruction that alternates between coming to school in-person and remote learning from home. This rotation enables districts to maintain the required six-foot social distance between building occupants. Students, teachers, and staff will also be required to wear masks during school hours.
While state officials have stressed that the goal was for a majority of schools to offer in-person instruction, several school districts, including two of New Jersey’s largest districts, Jersey City and Elizabeth, decided to offer virtual instruction only. Many districts have cited a lack of available teachers to staff classrooms as an objection to in-person instruction come September.
Whether a school district continues remote learning or a hybrid approach, or should the student’s parent request remote learning, schools must ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to the same opportunities as the general population during the school closure period. The services provided should be appropriate and consistent with the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) to the greatest extent possible. The New Jersey Department of Education has advised that when school is back in session, child study teams will have to evaluate the services provided during school closures and make provisions for any necessary compensatory services owed to the student.
Extracurricular activities are also an important aspect of a student’s educational experience. Many activities have been halted, but high school sports will be returning to some districts. The decision to open the fall high school sports season will be left up to each member school of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, but many schools in the state have already decided to resume fall sports. Governor Murphy also explicitly stated that fall sports may resume even in schools offering only remote learning.
The primary goal is to ensure education continues for each student, whether remote or in-person, in a manner that also protects the safety of the entire school community. Many questions regarding school openings can be answered on the NJ Department of Education website: www.nj.gov/education/reopening/faqs.
The NNJLS Education Representation Project provides free legal help to students and parents residing in Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic Counties with their K-12 education-related legal needs including special education, disability accommodations, bullying, and support for students experiencing homelessness. To contact the NNJLS Education Representation Project, please call (201) 792-6363 or email NNJLS@LSNJ.org.
