'); document.write(' '); document.write(''); }
Letters from the Education Secretary or Deputy SecretaryMarch 18, 2015
Dear Superintendents:
Several questions from educators, students, and their families have arisen since the initial outbreak of measles in December 2014. I am writing to share with you links to valuable information and resources produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as information, resources, and links from the Department of Education (ED) addressing related education issues. In addition to links provided in this letter, enclosed is a list of relevant resources.
As with any disease that has the potential to affect our school communities, the CDC and its public health partners will have information about the signs, symptoms, and severity of the measles, as well as the proper steps to help prevent its spread.
Additionally, since schools play a critical role in raising awareness with families and communities, there are many steps they can take including:
Best practices for districts and schools include developing policies and procedures in consultation with their PHAs for protecting the school community and addressing how to:
Day-to-day prevention and protection against infectious disease in schools is more effective when it is part of a comprehensive school emergency operations plan (EOP). An EOP can support the school system in the event of outbreak, epidemic, or pandemic and address a variety of possible diseases—viral, bacterial, and fungal. The protective measures in an EOP include a continuum of strategies for preventing the spread of germs.
Districts and schools should consider taking steps to ensure the continuity of learning outside of the classroom for students out of school for an extended period of time. For example, printed materials or online instructional tools may help students engage in meaningful learning activities to help them remain on track with their studies.
The Department's Office of Safe and Healthy Students (OSHS) manages the Readiness and Emergency Management of Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center, which serves as a hub to schools in providing information and resources for addressing infectious disease and supporting the whole school community. We are providing links to some of their valuable resources on this page, and you may wish to learn more about their resources on their Web site at: http://rems.ed.gov.
REMS TA Center resources:
Guide for Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans
Supporting Continuity of Teaching and Learning During an Emergency
I hope this information is helpful in the work you do to ensure students' safety.
Sincerely, | |
/s/ |
|
Arne Duncan |
Enclosure
Resources Supporting Schools, Students, Staff, and Families
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Resources
Measles: About the Virus
Measles: Information and Fact Sheets for Parents
Immunization and Vaccinations
Day-to-day Disease Prevention Resources
Department of Education’s School Emergency Management Resources
Readiness and Emergency Management of Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center
Guidance Documents, Publications, and Resources
Webinars
Online Courses
Specialized Training Packages