District, teachers union reach tentative agreement on distance learning standards

The San Francisco Unified School District and the United Educators of San Francisco announced Friday that they reached a tentative agreement for distance learning for the upcoming school year.

The memorandum of understanding between the two parties was necessitated by the Covid-19 coronavirus that is preventing much of the state from starting fall semester classes in person.

The agreement requires students to have no less than two hours of “daily live interaction” with a “certified district employee,” who will also supervise students during the school day.

Teachers will be available to speak with students via computer during their normal seven hours as outlined in their contracts.

District Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews said:

“We heard from parents and students that they wanted more connection with their peers and teachers than was possible last spring. We are listening and share a commitment to making distance learning better this fall.”

Supervised instruction for students will include social interactions, check-ins between teachers and students and the use of printed educational materials, according to the district and the UESF.

The MOU states that instruction should include content that engages students and “is consistent with student interaction with their teacher/classmates.”

UESF President Susan Solomon said:

“We know that nothing will ever fully replace in person instruction, but educators are excited to welcome our students and families back remotely for now and continue to work together on plans to get us safely back to our classrooms and schools.”

District officials plan to coordinate with schools to provide students with access to internet and technology required to participate in distance learning classes.

The district will also provide one-time $400 stipends to students and their families for costs accrued in preparing for the semester, including improving home internet bandwidth and acquiring educational materials not provided by the district.

UESF members will vote on the agreement in the coming days. Assuming the union ratifies the MOU, the San Francisco Board of Education will vote on the agreement at the board’s next meeting Aug. 11.

The San Francisco school district and teachers union on Friday announced an agreement that requires students to have at least two hours of “daily live interaction” with a district employee.

The San Francisco Unified School District and the United Educators of San Francisco announced Friday that they reached a tentative agreement for distance learning for the upcoming school year.