WATCH: State education commissioner discusses return to learn
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The commissioner of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education kicked off ABC 17's back-to-school return to learn coverage Tuesday morning.
State Commissioner Margie Vandeven joined ABC 17 News This Morning at 6 a.m. to discuss DESE's guidelines for reopening.
Prioritizing in-person learning
The return for the 2021-22 school year looks a lot different than the previous year. Being the third school year affected by the ongoing pandemic, DESE's reopening guidance emphasizes the commitment to in-person learning.
"COVID-19 prevention strategies remain critical to protect people who are not fully vaccinated, especially in areas of moderate-to-high community transmission levels," the state guidance said regarding in-person learning. "However, students should not need to be excluded from in-person learning, as effective prevention strategies are to be implemented."
You can read the state's full guide below.
Masks in classrooms: A local decision
Late last month, the CDC changed its guidance to recommend everyone wear masks in schools, regardless of their vaccination status.
DESE says it "acknowledges" the new guidance. However, the reopening guidance at the state level leaves the masking decision up to local school and health officials.
A CDC order does, though, require masks for everyone on school buses.
Encouraging vaccinations
When it comes to the coronavirus vaccines, the state education department says that promoting vaccination can help schools stay in person safely.
It is unclear, though, whether local education agencies could require proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
"There is nothing that precludes an LEA from asking each student for vaccination status, but there is not a clear mechanism or legal authorization for a student or his or her parent or guardian to be compelled to produce such records to the LEA," DESE'S guidance said.
Unvaccinated students and staff are urged to refrain from sports and extracurricular activities.
Isolation and quarantines
Asymptomatic close contacts who are fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine. Since vaccinations are authorized for emergency use in anyone at least 12 years old, this could keep many students in person this school year.
DESE is also continuing to allow exceptions for student quarantines. If a K-12 student is identified as a close contact, but both the infected student and the exposed student were wearing well-fitting masks during the entire period of exposure, they are able to continue learning in person.
Missouri education officials also recommend 3 feet of social distancing, screening for COVID-19, contact tracing, ventilation and other prevention measures.
The return to learn on ABC 17 News This Morning continues on Wednesday with coverage of Mexico Public Schools. On Thursday, ABC 17 News This Morning will have an interview with Blair Oaks R-II Superintendent Jim Jones. You can find a preview of this coverage linked here.
