information from Seattle Public Schools

Seattle Education Association and Seattle Public Schools have now reached a tentative agreement to provide in-person learning for grades 6-12 that meets the guidelines of the Governor's proclamation. The agreed to schedule does its best to finish this year strong keeping educators and students connected. 

Students -- in-person and remote learners -- begin April 5 for 6-12th grade Special Education Intensive Service Pathways students and April 19 for all other secondary students. 

“SEA remained focused on ensuring every student had options that met their individual physical, social, and emotional needs,” said Uti Hawkins, vice president of Seattle Education Association. “It is critical we support learning with options as our school communities navigate this pandemic. We are committed to ensuring equitable systems of support for those students that stay remote and those students who opt for in-person instruction.” 

The tentative agreement strives to keep students with their current educators and provides four full days of instruction for all students. Students in secondary schools regardless of learning model will receive synchronous remote classes in the morning four days a week. 

In the afternoons, middle and high schools will offer all students both remote and in-person small group and individual instruction and support. Students that select the in-person instructional model will attend class two (2) half days per week. Students enrolled in an intensive service pathway will receive four (4) half days of in-person instruction. K-8 schools will determine whether secondary students receive in-person instruction in the morning or afternoon. Wednesdays will continue to be remote for all students. 

More information will be distributed to families by email and on the SPS website. 

“Thank you to the hard-working bargaining teams. This agreement helps to ensure a high-quality learning environment for all students, whether they choose to stay 100% remote or return for in-person learning,” said Superintendent Denise Juneau. “On Monday, elementary students served in Special Education Intensive Service Pathways and preschool students across our district had the opportunity to reunite with classmates and teachers in-person. I joined families and staff in celebrating the return of these students. This past year has undoubtedly been difficult, but the joy and learning I witnessed in classrooms this week gives me immense hope as more students return to buildings.” 

From SPS Board of Directors President Chandra Hampson: “Both the district and our partners at SEA have always put top priority on the health and safety of our students and staff, and it’s a testament to this commitment that we have reached this tentative agreement. Returning to in-person learning is important for many of our students, and we are ready for them. We are excited to welcome them back, and for students remaining remote we express our deep commitment to the quality of their remote learning experience as well. For both our in-person students and remote students, we are fully focused on continuing to provide the best instruction possible.” 

This tentative agreement is subject to approval by both SEA members and the school board. 

SPS will send families an intent to return survey. Families will be asked to select the 100% remote model or hybrid, in-person model for the remainder of the year.