Evan J. LancasterOn Tuesday, July 14, the Irvine Unified School District Board of Education approved options for the district’s academic models for the upcoming school year. The IUSD Board also voted to require face masks on campus at all times, if in-person instruction takes place.
The board’s decision to require face coverings goes against the Orange County Board of Education’s 4-1 vote to adopt guidelines for reopening schools without face masks or social distancing requirements.
In an Instagram post, the IUSD addressed the board’s decision to require face masks on campus.
“The Board also voted to require face coverings/masks at all times on IUSD campuses and in classrooms for all staff, students, and visitors. Face coverings/masks may only be removed when maintaining physical distancing of six feet or more and at the direction of a teacher or other staff, or when drinking, eating, or participating in recess/physical activity. Persons with a medical or mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering may be exempt per state guidelines.”
Still, logistical questions surrounding the possibility of an in-person school year remain.
All will require thoughtful planning, and will need to follow guidelines established by the California Department of Health, according to the Orange County Department of Education.
The board approved several different academic models. These models include traditional, in-person instruction with a mixture of virtual learning, splitting classrooms into rotating groups, and utilizing outdoor learning spaces.
However, Irvine Unified is putting the choice in the hands of families to decide what education model works best for each individual student.
Approved Models of Education
Elementary school students (TK/K- 5th) have access to the IUSD Virtual Academy, a hybrid, and a traditional model.
The traditional model features a 5-day school week, with class sizes limited to approximately 28 students. Teachers are paired with an educational assistant, and classes are split into two cohorts. The cohorts rotate through activities throughout the day.
Example of an elementary-level Traditional Academic model. Class sizes limited to approximately 28 students with two cohorts.
The hybrid model is an in-person and online option, where students report to campus twice a week. In this model, students spend approximately 8 hours per week on campus, and distance leaning for 3-days per week. 
Within the elementary hybrid model, classrooms are split into two cohorts, and meet twice a week.
Middle school (6th-8th) academic models differ slightly. The traditional academic model will only be available to special education students. However, students would attend school 2 days per week, with distance learning 3 days per week.
Middle School learning program for the 2020-21 academic year.
High school (9th -12th) students will have access to IUSD’s Virtual Academy, along with blended learning, and hybrid academic models.
High School learning program for the 2020-21 academic year.
The district’s blended learning program combines in-person and online instruction, and allows the opportunity for students to participate in athletics and events at their schools.
In a statement on the IUSD website, the district explained that each school’s principal would update with further direction. The district is asking students and parents — at all levels — to decide which educational model would work best for them.
“School principals will provide information with directions for families to make their academic model selection. You will have today, July 15, through Sunday, July 19 to make your selection, please check your email for this important communication,” the statement read.
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