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Ministry of Education

Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 356-5963

Backgrounders

Five-stage approach for K-12 education during pandemic

The Ministry of Education has developed a five-stage approach: Stage 1 represents all students in all grades learning in the classroom, while still abiding by strict health and safety guidelines. Stage 5 represents a full suspension of all in-class instruction.

If there is an outbreak or a second wave in the 2020-21 school year, schools can move in and out of each of the stages to ensure the safety of students, their families and employees, while maintaining continuity of learning.

Education stages for K-12 students:

Stage 5

  • Suspend all in-class instruction for all grades and students.
  • Remote and online learning for all students.

Stage 4

  • In-class learning for children of essential service workers, students with disabilities and students who require additional support, five days a week.
  • Remote and online learning continues for most students.

Stage 3 (current stage)

  • In-class learning for children of essential service workers, students with disabilities and students who require additional support, five days a week.
  • Kindergarten to Grade 5 – part time, two to three days a week, with 50% of students at a time in schools. 
  • Grades 6-12 – one day per week, with 20% of students at a time in schools. 
  • Remote and online learning continues to be available for students.
  • Parent/caregiver choice to return to in-class instruction.

Stage 2

  • In-class learning for children of essential service workers, students with disabilities and students who require additional support, five days a week.
  • In-class learning for all students in elementary school (kindergarten to Grade 7) on a full-time basis.
  • In-class learning for secondary students (Grades 8 to 12) on a part-time basis, with 40% of students at a time in schools.
  • Remote and online learning continues to be available for secondary students.

Stage 1

  • A return to full in-class instruction five days a week, while continuing to follow strict health and safety guidelines.