Q: How long will Comprehensive Distance Learning last?

A: Comprehensive Distance Learning is scheduled through the end of the first quarter; October 30. Schools in the State of Oregon cannot reopen until meeting health metrics outlined by the Oregon Health Authority. Once Clackamas County and the State of Oregon meet those health metrics, the district will look to return to in-person learning through the hybrid model.

Q: What are the health metrics for reopening with in-person learning?

A: The metrics are determined by considering the case rate and test positivity rate of COVID-19 in Clackamas County as well as statewide. In order for West Linn-Wilsonville schools to reopen, we need to meet the following health metrics:

• Clackamas County needs to be at-or-below 10 cases per 100,000 people for three consecutive weeks.
• The test positivity in Clackamas County needs to be at-or-below 5% for three consecutive weeks.
• The test positivity in the State of Oregon needs to be at-or-below 5% for three consecutive weeks.

Currently, Clackamas County does not meet the health metrics outlined above for in-person learning. In discussions with the Clackamas County Health Department, we do not expect to meet the metrics in the immediate or near future. Clackamas County Health Department will be closely monitoring these metrics across our county and will help us prepare for our transition to the hybrid model when it is safe to do so.

Q: What about students in grades K-3? Is there any chance they might transition to the hybrid model before October 30 due to the exception outlined by the Governor?

A: Governor Brown and the Oregon Department of Education also announced an exception for grades K-3 to return to in-person school sooner using a different set of metrics. For grades K-3 to transition to the hybrid model, the following metrics must be met in Clackamas County:  

• Clackamas County needs to be at-or-below 30 cases per 100,000 people for three consecutive weeks.
• The test positivity in Clackamas County needs to be at-or-below 5% for three consecutive weeks.
• COVID-19 cannot be actively spreading in the school community. This would be determined by the Clackamas County Health Department.

Currently, Clackamas County does not meet this set of metrics. If Clackamas County is able to meet these metrics before October 30, the district would consider bringing students back to school for in-person learning prior to the end of the first term.

However, we want to be clear that the transition to the hybrid model would not occur immediately. We will prioritize getting students into the classroom as soon as it is safe to do so and when our school is prepared for this important transition. When we get closer to meeting these metrics, we will begin to prepare our staff and students for a return to the classroom.

Q: Can my student continue to learn through Comprehensive Distance Learning when we transition to the hybrid model and in-person learning?

A: Yes, students can continue to learn at home through Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) even when schools transition to the hybrid model. Students can continue learning through CDL for the entirety of the school year if they need to.

Q: I have multiple students in the district. Will they be on the same A/B schedule?

A: We will do our best to align schedules of siblings. This is difficult to do, especially for siblings in different schools and across different levels, however. Please reach out to your building principal(s) if you would like to request that your students have the same A/B schedule.

Q: How is Comprehensive Distance Learning different than what my student experienced in the spring?

A: Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) will be much different than what students experienced in the spring. Since that time, we have learned what worked well and what needed improvement. We have spent the summer with teacher-groups identifying ways to make Comprehensive Distance Learning a more robust and more successful experience with students.

There will be daily school schedules and routines; multiple synchronous learning opportunities each day; teacher and peer interactions; feedback, assessments and letter grades for middle and high school students. Instruction will be teacher-led, supplemented by a digital curriculum that meets students at their learning levels. Both live and recorded teacher-led instruction will be a part of this model. Students will also have access to Florida Virtual digital curriculum that will guide them through instruction with the help of their teacher.

The structures of CDL are designed to be very similar to the structures of our Hybrid Model. This allows us to transition seamlessly between the two and also allows some students to remain longer in CDL instead of shifting to the Hybrid Model if they prefer.