State and National Education News
Recent news updates from a variety of sources here in Washington and around the country.
Highlights in the News from WFIS
Another Way to Protect against COVID beyond Masking and Social Distancing
Research suggests boosting indoor humidity in winter can hinder transmission of the virus. There is a strong relationship between the aerial transmission of viruses and temperature and humidity, impacted by both indoor and outdoor environments. SARS-CoV-2 virus survives better at low temperatures and low humidity. Dry air also reduces the ability of our body’s cilia—hairlike projections on cells lining airways—to remove viral particles and prevent them from reaching the lungs and the immune system’s ability to respond to pathogens is suppressed in drier environments.
Delay in vaccinating most Washington K-12 teachers, staff alarms legislators, union
Washington’s current guidance would result in an extended vaccination timeline for adults who work in schools. Teachers and other staff who are at least aged 50 could get their first dose in February if they are serving students in person… roughly 40% of the state’s 153,000 public school employees are in this age group. All younger employees aren’t eligible until April.
Experts say new Covid-19 strain isn’t reason to panic
“There is no demonstration yet that these strains are biologically different in ways that would require any change in current recommendations meant to limit the spread of COVID-19”
Other education news from around WA state
Washington State OSPI
Northwest Association of Independent Schools
Washington State Wire Education News
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Washington State Legislative Bill Tracker
Other education news from around the US
Education Dive
- 5 ways schools are addressing pandemic-induced mental health issues
- What Biden's early executive orders mean for K-12
- How is COVID-19 changing school discipline?
- Establishing decision-making framework critical in helping principals navigate difficult choices
- COVID relief funding is coming to K-12 schools. Are you prepared to take advantage?