TN Dept. of Education: Update on Coronavirus, Resource Guide.

As this is an evolving situation, the Tennessee Department of Education is updating this page as information becomes available. We will provide a brief summary of updates here at the end of each day: 

May 11 Update: Superintendent FAQs

COVID-19 coronavirus is a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) virus. Stopping transmission (spread) of the virus through everyday practices is the best way to keep people healthy. 

State health officials are currently taking steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Tennessee. Schools can play a key role in this effort. Through collaboration and coordination with local health departments, schools can take steps to disseminate information about the disease and its potential transmission within their school community. 

Contact your local district officials for any questions regarding closure decisions. District officials contact can be found here.

Meeting and Event Update:

• Find information on Tennessee Department of Education Meeting and Event Cancellations and Updates here.

Important contact information: 

    • The Department of Education COVID-19 hotline is available for district leaders 629-888-5898 or toll free 833-947-2115. The hotline is available Monday-Friday 6:30 am – 4:30pm CST. Or, email: K12.health@tn.gov.

    • For nutrition program-specific questions, contact the Department’s Nutrition Hotline Number at (800)-354-3663. It is available daily from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm CST. Or, email School.Nutrition@tn.gov.

    • Tennessee Department of Health has launched a Tennessee Coronavirus Public Information Line in partnership with the Tennessee Poison Center. The hotline number is 877-857-2945 and will be available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. CST daily.

The Department of Education has disseminated guidance to district leaders to best support their students, schools and communities.

At-Home Resources and Services

• PBS Teaching Tennessee: The Tennessee Department of Education has partnered with the state’s six PBS stations to provide 1st-6th grade students standards-aligned instructional lessons on ELA and Math. 7th and 8th grade lessons will be available on the department’s YouTube page.
• ReadyRosie is an online education tool providing at-home instructional videos parents can do with their children. Through a partnership between the department and the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation, Tennessee families have access to these resources for free through September 30. Register here.  Additional information can be found here and a How To Use Guide here.
• SchoolMealFinder.com: Through a partnership between the department and Hoonuit, Tennessee families now have access to this school meal site finder to find the closest meal pick up program available to them. Read more here.
• STE(A)M Resource Hub: The department and the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN) released a STE(A)M Resource Hub for educators and families to use with students during COVID-19 related school closures. The STE(A)M Resource Hub includes three weekly challenges around design activities, critical thinking, and career exploration that can all be done in the home. Read more here.
• Tennessee Principal Professional Learning Series: The Tennessee Department of Education and the University of Tennessee’s Center for Educational Leadership have partnered to provide virtual professional learning opportunities to principals to support them in addressing the immediate challenges facing schools as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic during these tumultuous and uncertain times. Learn more here.

Preparation and Planning

• Coronavirus:  A Guide for Schools (Added 3.5.20)
• Emergency Plans & Procedures Best Practices for Schools (Added 3.5.20)
• Cleaning Guidance (Added 3.5.20)
• Infection Control Tips for School Buses (Added 3.5.20)
• Handwashing Best  Practices (Added 3.5.20)
• Guidlines for Health Care in a School Setting (Added 3.16.20)

Closure Guidance and FAQ’s

General Closure Guidance

• Graduation Ceremony Guidance (Added 4.23.20)
• School Closure Guidance: EIS Coding FAQ (Updated 4.8.20)
• U.S. Department of Education Guidance and Regulations Related to COVID-19 School Closures (Added 3.16.20)
• Finance School Funding in Event of a Closure COVID-19 Guidance (Updated 5.5.20)
• Charter Schools FAQ: COVID-19 Gudiance (Updated 4.3.20)
• Head Start FAQ: COVID 19 Guidance (Added 3.27.20)
• TDOE COVID Response Presentation (Added 4.7.20)
• Mental Health FAQs (Added 4.8.20)
• Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) COVID Guidance

Instruction, Assessment and Accountability

• Tennessee Board of Regents Memo: Dual Enrollment (Added 4.27.20)
• Guidance on School and District Accountability (Updated 5.8.20)
• Guidance on State Assessment (Added 4/17/20)
• TCAP Materials Return Instructions (Added 4/17/20)
• IT Resources: COVID-19 Guidance (Updated 4.8.20)
• ACT Guidance for Districts and Schools (Updated 4.30.20)
• ACT Payment Invoice Request Information (Added 4.30.20)
• FAQ for High School Programs, CCTE (Updated 4.16.20)
• Fine Arts Resource List (Added 4.7.20)
• WIDA Exit Options (Added 4.23.20)
• WIDA Shipping (Added 4.23.20)

Nutrition

• Triennial Assessment Waiver Request Form (Added 5.07.20)
• School Nutrition: COVID-19 Guidance (Added 3.13.20)
• Nutrition Frequently Asked Questions (Updated 4.21.20)
• Meal Pattern Flexibility Form (Added 3.27.20)
• Nutrition Program Updates (Added 3.30.20)
• Area Eligibility Form (Added 3.30.20)

Special Populations

• COVID-19 School Closures and Special Education:The Path Forward (Added 5.7.20)
• Special Education Council Frequently Asked Questions (Added 5.7.20)
• Guidance for IDEA Technology Grant Application (Added 4.27.20)
• Suggestions for ESL Classes and Activities: COVID-19 Guidance (Added 3.16.20)
• U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Fact Sheet: Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Preschool, Elementary and Secondary Schools While Serving Children with Disabilities (Added 3.23.20)
• School Closures and Special Education: Guidance on Services to Students with Disabilities (Updated 3.30.20)
• TN Request for Expedited OSEP Review: Guidance on Services to Students with Disabilities Guidance  (Added 3.30.20)
• COVID Special Education Presentation Slides (Added 3.30.20)
• Special Education Related FAQ (Updated 3.31.20)

Staffing, Educators and EPP Resources

• School Safety FAQ: COVID-19 Guidance (Added 3.16.20)
• Employment Decisions: Guidance (Added 3.23.20)
• Licensure and Preparation SBE Updates – COVID-19

State Board of Education Emergency Rule Resources

• State Board of Education Emergency Rules
• State Board of Education Emergency Rules FAQ
• COVID-19 LEA Waiver Application
• Department Guidance Documents Regarding Emergency SBE Rules: 
  • Teacher Licensure  (Added 4.23.20)
  • Teacher Evaluation (Added 4.24.20)
  • Special Education (Added 4.24.20)
  • Initial Evaluation Timelines Guidance Document
  • Initial Evaluation Timeline Calculator
  • Strategic Compensation Plans (Added 4.24.20)
  • TASL Credit Department (Added 4.24.20)

Federal Programs and Funding

• FAQ regarding Migratory Students and COVID-19 Closures (Added 5.8.20)
• FAQ regarding COVID-19 and English Learner and Immigrant Students (Added 5.8.20)
• FAQ regarding Juvenile Detention Centers: COVID-19 Guidance (Added 4.30.20)
• FAQ regarding Foster Care and Distance Learning: COVID-19 Guidance (Added 4.30.20)
• FAQ regarding Neglected and Delinquent Programming: COVID-19 Guidance (Added 4.30.20)
• Fact Sheet: Questions Related to Use of U.S. Department of Ed. Grant Funds During COVID-19 (Added 4.9.20)
• Federal Funds Guidance: COVID-19 Closures (Updated 4.27.20)
• Guidance to LEAs for Providing Equitable Service to Non-Public Schools: COVID-19 Guidance (Added 4.7.20)
• COVID-19 Guidance Regarding Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (Added 4.8.20)
• Results-Based ESEA & IDEA Program Monitoring Updates & COVID-19 Guidance (Added 3.30.20)
• ESEA/ESSA Federal Funds Waiver Request
  • ESEA/ESSA Federal Funds Waiver Request Form in Response to COVID‑19 School Closures in 2020 (Added 5.1.2020)
  • ESEA/ESSA Federal Waiver Guidance (Added 5.1.2020)
  • Title IV, Part A Waiver Guidance Q&A (Added 5.1.2020)

Federal CARES Act

• CARES Act District Allocations (Added 4.17.20)

School Closure Toolkits

• School Closure Toolkit: Staffing (PDF) (Updated 3.27.20)
• School Closure Toolkit: Academics and Instruction (PDF) (Updated 4.14.20)
• School Closure Toolkit: Health and Wellness (PDF) (Updated 3.25.20)
• School Closure Toolkit: Early Childhood (PDF) (Updated 5.5.20)
• School Closure Toolkit: School-administered Before/ After Care Programs (Added 5.5.20)
• School Closure Toolkit: Nutrition (PDF) (Updated 4.22.20)
• School Closure Toolkit: Safety and Operations (Published) (Added 3.20.20)
• School Closure Toolkit: Safety and Operations (PDF) (Added 3.20.20)
• School Closure Toolkit: IT and Distance Learning(PDF) (Updated 4.8.20)
• School Closure Toolkit: Finance (PDF)  (Added 3.25.20)
• School Closure Toolkit: Families (Published) (Added 3.27.20)
• School Closure Toolkit: Families (Spanish) (Added 5.4.20)
• School Closure Toolkit: Special Populations (PDF) (Updated 5.12.20)
• School Closure Toolkit: Fine Arts (PDF) (Added 4.7.20)

For the above documents, the Department of Education has created two versions of the toolkit: one in a designed format (Published) and one in simple text (PDF)

Press Releases

• TDOE and TSIN Announce 22 Schools Receive Tennessee STEM Designations (5.4.20)
• TDOE Announces $1 Million IDEA Technology Partnership Grant (4.27.20)
•  TDOE and UTK to Provide COVID-Related Professional Development for Tennessee Principals (4.24.20)
• Statement from Commissioner Penny Schwinn on Governor’s Recommendation to Extend School Closures, Announcement of COVID-19 Child Wellbeing Task Force (4.15.20)
• TDOE and TSIN Release STEAM Resources for At-Home Learning (4.15.20)
• TDOE Launches Survey to Solicit Public Feedback on Federal CARES Act (4.3.20)
• TDOE Releases Schedule and Resources for Video Lessons Airing Statewide on PBS starting April 6th (4.3.20)
• Tennessee Receives Key Education and Nutrition Waivers (4.1.20)
• TDOE, Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation Partner with ReadyRosie to Provide Free Early Education Resources to Families (3.30.20)
• TDOE Announces Partnership with PBS to Deliver Daily Instructional Content for Tennessee Students (3.25.20)
• Statement from Commissioner Penny Schwinn on Governor’s Recommendation to Extend School Closures (3.24.20)
• Commissioner Schwinn Statement Regarding Meal Distribution in Shelby County (3.20.20) 
• TDOE Partners with Hoonuit to Provide Families Access to School Meal Finder (3.20.20)
• Commissioner Schwinn Statement Regarding General Assembly Passage of Education Waivers Related to COVID-19 (3.19.20)
• TDOE Receives Waivers for Continuing School Nutrition Programs during COVID-19 Closures (3.16.20)
• Statement from Commissioner Penny Schwinn on School Closures (3.16.20)

Federal Waiver Requests

• Tennessee ESSA Waiver Request (Pending Response)
• Tennessee Charter School Program Waiver Request (Pending Response) (Updated 4.7.20)
• Tennessee USDA Waiver Request – SSO Site Flexibilities
  • USDA Approval Response: SSO Site Flexibilities
• Tennessee USDA Waiver Request: Non-Congregate Meal Service
  • USDA Approval Response: Non-Congregate Meal Service

• Tennessee USDA Waiver Request: SSO Area Eligibility Requirements 
  • USDA Approval Response: SSO Area Eligibility (Added 3.30.20)
• Tennessee USDA Waiver Request: Meal Pattern Requirements 
  • USDA Nationwide Waiver: Meal Pattern Waiver (3.17.20)
• USDA Nationwide Waiver: Parent Pickup (3.27.20)
• Tennessee ESSA Title IV Waiver Request: Technology Caps
• Waiver Request – Period of Performance, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (Added 3.25.20)
• Waiver Request for components of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) (Added 3.25.20)
  • USEd Response to Perkins Waiver Request (Added 4.7.20)
• Tennessee ESEA Waiver Request: Public Reporting Requirements (Added 3.25.20)
• Tennessee COVID Fiscal Waiver Request (Added 4.6.20)
  • USEd Response to Fiscal Waiver Request (Added 4.23.20)

3/20/2020 Update from US Department of Education on Assessment and Accountability Waivers

• Secretary DeVos letter to State Education Chiefs 
• Tennessee’s ESEA Waiver (Submitted 3/20/20)
  • USEd Response to ESEA Waiver Request (Added 3.30.20)

Stakeholder Archive

Superintendent Calls

• ARCHIVE: COVID-19 Supertintendent Call (5.08.20)
• ARCHIVE: COVID-19 Superintendent Call (5.06.20)
• ARCHIVE: COVID-19 Superintendent Call (5.04.20)
• ARCHIVE: COVID-19 Superintendent Call (5.01.20)
• ARCHIVE: COVID-19 Supertintendent Call (4.29.20)
• ARCHIVE: COVID-19 Superintendent Call (4.27.20)
• ARCHIVE: COVID-19 Superintendent Call (4.22.20)
• ARCHIVE: COVID-19 Superintendent Call (4.20.20)
• ARCHIVE: COVID-19 Superintendent Call (4.15.20)
• ARCHIVE: COVID-19 Superintendent Call (4.13.20)
• ARCHIVE: COVID-19 Superintendent Call (4.8.20)
• ARCHIVE: COVID-19 Superintendent Call (4.6.20)
• ARCHIVE: COVID-19 Superintendent Call (4.3.20)
• ARCHIVE: COVID-19 Superintendent Call (4.1.20)
• ARCHIVE: COVID-19 Superintendent Call (3.30.20)
• ARCHIVE: COVID-19 Superintendent Call Special Populations (3.30.20)
• ARCHIVE: COVID-19 Superintendent Call (3.27.20)
• ARCHIVE: COVID-19 Superintendent Call (3.25.20)
• ARCHIVE: COVID-19 Superintendent Call (3.23.20) 
• ARCHIVE: COVID-19 Superintendent Call (3.20.20)  
• ARCHIVE: COVID-19 Superintendent Call (3.18.20)
• ARCHIVE: COVID-19 Superintendent Call (3.16.20)
• ARCHIVE: COVID-19 Superintendent Call (3.13.20)

Other items

• ARCHIVE: Charter LEA COVID Webinar (4.30.20)
• ARCHIVE: Charter CMO COVID Webinar (4.30.20)
• ARCHIVE: Charter LEA COVID Webinar (4.14.20)
• ARCHIVE: Charter CMO COVID Webinar (4.14.20)
• ARCHIVE: Charter Conference Webinar (3.27.20)
• ARCHIVE: Private School Guidance (3.25.20) 

Additional Resources

• American School Counselor Association Planning for Distance Counseling Document
• National Association of School Psychologists Helping Children Cope with Changes Resulting from COVID
• CDC COVID Travel Information
• CDC Travel Health Notice
• CDC How to Clean and Disinfect Schools 
• CDC Handwashing Guidance
• CDC Toolkits, press releases and guidance 
• CDC Downloadable posters

For additional information on COVID-19, see the Tennessee Department of Health website: https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.htm