Pittsburgh Review

Pittsburgh Public Schools issued the following announcement on Nov. 2.

Board approved a resolution authorizing Superintendent Anthony Hamlet to formulate a phased plan for the instruction and support of those students whose educational needs require in-person live instruction.  The action further stipulates that any students not identified by the Administration to begin in-person instruction on November 9 will remain in remote instruction through January 3, 2021, and no later than January 25, 2021. Families who have chosen to remain in full-time E-Learning (Cohort C) will stay in remote instruction until additional students can be returned safely. 

 “Our Board has the best intentions in supporting our students. To that end, I am pleased that we could work together to establish a remote instruction plan, said Superintendent Anthony Hamlet. The special legislative meeting was critical in establishing flexibility with how our District will be supportive of families who desire a form of in-person instruction, and we are beginning with some of our most vulnerable students. Our phased-in approach will only enhance our success for all of our students. We are working day and night to establish appropriate communications so that every PPS family knows exactly what to do.”

Students with disabilities currently assigned to regional classrooms or Pittsburgh Pioneer and Conroy, who opted into Cohort D, will begin four-day a week in-person instruction on November 9.  In addition, English Language Learners and remaining regional classroom students currently enrolled in the AA/BB model and identified by Administration will return for in-person instruction two days a week starting on November 9. All remaining students in Cohorts AA and BB will return for in-person instruction no earlier than January 4 and no later than January 27. 

“After listening to hundreds of parents and families during public hearings, this was a tough decision to make in determining an appropriate transition for our students that is safe,” said Board President Sylvia Wilson. “Creating a healthy balance for families with the greatest need was our priority while simultaneously managing the protocols for a safe return to schools.                                           

Cohort Definition Key:

Cohort AA – Most students will begin in-person instruction no earlier than January 4, 2021. Students in Cohort AA will spend Monday and Tuesday learning in school and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday learning remotely. Identified English Language Learners and Regional Classroom students will return earlier.  

Cohort BB – Most students will begin in-person instruction no earlier than January 4, 2021. Students in Cohort BB will learn remotely Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and will spend Thursday and Friday learning in school. Identified English Language Learners and Regional Classroom students will return earlier.  

Cohort C – Students in Cohort C will learn remotely five days a week.

Cohort D – Students with disabilities who are currently assigned to regional classrooms or Pittsburgh Conroy and Pittsburgh Pioneer could have a two-day a week in-person model (Cohort AA/BB) adjusted to a four day a week in-person model (Cohort D). These students will return November 9.  

Original source can be found here.