Supporting the Reopening and Continuing Operation of Schools

Jan 26, 2021

Summary

Helps schools, colleges, and child care centers safely open for in-person learning and stay open during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What problem does this solve?

The COVID-19 pandemic made it hard for schools to stay open safely, which hurt students' education. This order directs federal agencies to give guidance and support to help schools reopen safely and address learning gaps.

What does this order do?

Provides guidance for safe reopening

Directs the Secretary of Education, with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to give evidence-based guidance to help K-12 schools and colleges decide how to reopen and stay open safely.

Creates a best practices clearinghouse

Requires the Department of Education to create a 'Safer Schools and Campuses Best Practices Clearinghouse' so schools can share lessons learned and effective strategies for operating safely.

Reports on unequal impacts of COVID-19

Orders the Department of Education's Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights to create a report on the different impacts of COVID-19 on students, especially those in minority-serving institutions.

Ensures fair distribution of supplies

Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make sure that COVID-19 supplies, like testing materials, are fairly given to schools and child care providers.

Supports child care providers

Directs the Department of Health and Human Services to give guidance and help to child care providers and Head Start programs so they can reopen and operate safely.

Collects data on pandemic's impact

Calls for collecting data to understand how the pandemic has affected students and teachers. This data must be broken down by race, disability, and family income.

Encourages better internet access

Encourages the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to increase internet options for students who do not have reliable broadband at home, to support remote learning.

Who does this affect?

Students
Educators and school staff
Families with children

What is the real world impact?

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Gets students back in the classroom safely

Aims to solve the national challenge of closed schools by providing federal resources and clear guidance, helping students return to in-person learning which is critical for their development.

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Addresses educational inequality

Recognizes that the pandemic has worsened existing educational gaps. Directs federal agencies to study and create plans to help students who have been most affected, especially along racial and economic lines.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately as of January 21, 2021.