The attendance figure during the first week of face-to-face classes at Jalisco primary and secondary schools (education basica) was 84.4 percent, Governor Enrique Alfaro announced this week.
Observing strict protocols, Jalisco schools welcomed 1,188,480 children back to classes for the new academic year. According to the Jalisco Education Department, 98.5 percent of schools in the state opened their doors.
The 2021-22 academic year is following a hybrid model, involving both face-to-face instruction and distance learning. Entry times to classes are staggered, and group numbers have been reduced to enable sensible social distancing. Face masks are obligatory for teachers and students.
Parents may choose to keep their children at home but must liaise with teachers to ensure that course work is being followed correctly via various digital or televised platforms.
The Jalisco Education Department said that of the 9,064 basic education schools in Jalisco, only 165 - equivalent to 1.5 percent of the total - were unable to open due to either deterioration or damage incurred during the pandemic.
Alfaro called the first week’s numbers encouraging. “Parents have trusted the model we have developed, and understand the importance of returning to classrooms.”
The governor also revealed that only 30 students and 112 teachers were detected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the first week of face-to-face classes. He described this number as “minimal.”
Classes at Universidad de Guadalajara high schools and higher education campuses will resume on October 15.