Wicomico Recovery Plan 2020 -2021

10 Also included in that presentation by the superintendent were factors influencing the decision to begin the school year in a fully virtual mode. The following graphic describes those factors. This Recovery Plan provides the details determined to be essential for a robust educational program that resembles, as closely as possible, the traditional model of rigorous instruction provided in Wicomico County Public Schools. Embodied throughout the plan is the guiding philosophy of equity for all students (Appendix B: Educational Equity Policy). To ensure equitable student learning outcomes in a fully virtual model, it is critically important to remove existing barriers to technology that could interfere with remote learning. To that end, all WCPS students and teachers will have access to technology for virtual learning as a result of the purchase of additional laptops and hotspots enabling access to the internet. These devices will be distributed to support a comprehensive program of instruction. CARES Act funding has allowed WCPS to achieve a 1:1 student-to-device ratio in grades Prekindergarten-12, unlike what was possible in the spring. WCPS will continue to work with families to resolve connectivity issues through distribution of hotspots or guiding the parents to an affordable connection program lik e Internet Essentials. EQUITY The Recovery Plan was developed and will be implemented with the goal of ensuring there are no obstacles to accessing educational opportunities while providing every student equitable access to educational rigor, resources, and support to maximize academic success and social and emotional well-being. (Requirement #2) This WCPS Recovery Plan is focused on instruction, student services and operations for the fall reopening in a fully virtual mode. However, it is important to note that while WCPS is committed to a robust virtual program, we continue to plan for the eventual return to our facilities. The decision regarding that transition will take into account the prevalence of the pandemic; preferences and experiences of students, staff and parents/guardians during the initial weeks of school; and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Maryland Department of Health, the Wicomico County Health Department and the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).