In-person learning available to all Washington students

SEATTLE (AP) — Students in Washington who have have not already begun in-person learning and want to can do so as of Monday.

Gov. Jay Inslee signed an emergency proclamation in March requiring all public K-12 schools to provide an in-person learning option for all students by April 19, KING5 reported. The proclamation requires schools to offer an in-person instruction option that equates to at least 30% instructional time.

Seattle Public Schools, the largest public school district in Washington, welcomed students in sixth through 12th grades back to the classroom on Monday. Students are required to wear face masks and complete a daily health screening prior to class, according to the district.

School districts across the state have been phasing in students over the last several weeks, starting with the youngest students and those in special education.

Data from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction shows 54% of students in all grades were already receiving weekly in-person instruction as of the week of March 29, the most recent data available.

All school districts must follow physical distancing requirements in classes, masking and enhanced cleaning and sanitizing protocols to help limit the spread of COVID-19.