The district intends to transition to a hybrid schedule remote learning and in-person school as soon as county data indicates that it is safe
Vancouver Public Schools (VPS) and the Vancouver Education Association (VEA) have agreed to a memorandum of understanding that addresses the terms of employment and delivery of educational services affected by the COVID-19 virus for the 2020-2021 school year. VEA represents approximately 1,625 educators who are employed by VPS.
VPS plans to begin the school year with remote learning in alignment with guidelines from the Washington State Department of Health. The district intends to transition to a hybrid schedule — a combination of remote learning and in-person school — as soon as county data indicate that it is safe to serve students on campuses.
For the 2020-21 school year, VPS and VEA agree to do the following:
- Implement remote learning, a hybrid schedule and/or regular school operations with safety precautions consistent with the recommendation of DOH and in consultation with Clark County Public Health;
- Ensure that health and safety protocols are followed district-wide and that association members receive training on those protocols along with the appropriate personal protective equipment and disinfecting materials to meet health and safety standards;
- Provide flexibility for association members who choose to work remotely or from their classroom while the district is providing remote instruction; and,
- Limit groups of people working on-site during hybrid instruction to be consistent with DOH, CCPH and Washington Safe Start guidelines.
Additionally, during remote learning, teachers will hold weekly office hours to communicate with parents/guardians about their child’s progress and needs. The Canvas learning management system will be used as the communication platform for student lessons, projects and activities. Direct instruction online, without students or names visible, will be recorded and posted daily on Canvas for families to access.
The district will offer eight hours of paid professional development on remote and/or hybrid instruction, five of which are mandatory for association members. Association members also may access up to six hours of paid time from their professional development funds to collaborate with their professional learning community, grade level or content area teams Aug. 18-Oct. 16.
The agreement is effective through the last instructional day of the 2020-2021 school year.
Information provided by Vancouver Public Schools.
