Supporting COVID-19 mitigation efforts in the classroom

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Project: Chicago Public Schools COVID-19 Mitigation
Client: Chicago Public Schools

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In January of 2022, Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union reached an agreement to re-open classrooms for in-person learning based on the implementation of additional measures and investments in COVID-19 mitigation efforts across the school district. This included COVID-19 testing of at least 10% of the student population at each school, KN95 masks for every student and staff member, and metrics that guide a school’s decision to convert classrooms or the entire school to remote learning, among others. However, CPS’ ability to manage, launch, and monitor the implementation of these efforts was limited by capacity constraints at the executive and strategic planning levels following the recent CEO leadership transition. CPS and the Mayor’s Office requested that Civic Consulting Alliance provide implementation planning and management support during this critical period for public health and the CEO’s first 90 days.

To support CPS teachers and district leaders, we developed a project management structure and launched cross-functional teams to implement increased COVID-19 mitigation strategies, including testing expansion, increased opt-in rates for testing, and vaccination uptake. In addition, we identified recommendations for sustained operations. Our pro bono partner, Deloitte, supported the “Test-to-Stay” project that aimed to give unvaccinated students exposed to COVID-19 the option of regimented testing to stay on campus and minimize the overall number of students being quarantined. These mitigation strategies supported public health protocols and investments at all schools across the district and advanced an equity framework that prioritized resources at schools with high-risk student populations that exhibited stark disparities in vaccination rates and COVID-19 testing participation.

THANK YOU

Deloitte provided support on the “Test-to-Stay” COVID-19 mitigation project that aimed to give unvaccinated students exposed to COVID-19 the option of regimented testing to stay on campus and minimize the overall number of students being quarantined.