Back to School Better: SCTA’s Framework for Fully Reopening Schools in 2021-22

Following the pandemic that closed our schools after March 13, 2020, we look forward to the resumption of in-person instruction on September 2, 2021, the commencement of the 2021-22 traditional academic year.  With an ongoing increase in state funding that raises spending from approximately $11,000 to $20,000 per student, in addition to $313 million in state and federal funding related to COVID mitigation, we have a once-in-generation opportunity for the Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD) to make significant advances to improve student learning.

Towards that end, the Sacramento City Teachers Association proposes improvements in the following areas:

1. Improved Services to Students

• Lowering class sizes;
• Increasing physical and mental health supports for students (school psychologists, school nurses, counselors, and school social workers) through the development, implementation and expansion of community schools;
• Providing Reading Intervention Specialists at every elementary school;
• Implementing a robust MTSS program at every site;
• Developing a Restorative Practices culture at every site;
• Increasing funding and training for the Parent Teacher Home Visit Project for teachers to have summer visits (virtual or in-person) with incoming students and families;
• Dedicating time and supplies for relationship building activities within the school day;
• Increasing access to the Career & Technical Education programs that match the interest of student body;
• Expanding Child Development programs;
• Providing expanded arts, music and sports enrichment activities for students;
• Providing a virtual, non-concurrent, instruction option for all interested students;

• Staff Recruitment, Retention and Support

• Working to recruit and retain diverse and highly trained educators who reflect the diversity of the District, including providing competitive wages and benefits;
• Educator-developed and -focused professional development for all certificated staff in restorative practices, trauma informed teaching strategies, culturally responsive and antiracist teaching practices (including concrete strategies and tools for addressing racism, privilege and bias in classrooms), inclusive practices and Universal Design for Learning, and the resources necessary to implement;
• The recruitment and retention of classified staff to maintain the health and safety of school facilities and provide the essential support services that enhance student instruction.