This report offers a framework for districts to use in their preparation to provide quality instruction through distance and blended models. In the wake of COVID-19, "teaching as usual" will be neither possible nor sufficient to meet students' needs because California's schools have experienced disruptions to each aspect of the instructional core: teachers, students, and content. The report begins by describing the instructional core and the ways in which each of its elements has been disrupted by COVID-19. It then offers research-based strategies to mitigate that impact on students in distance and blended contexts. The final section describes the role districts must play to ensure that students receive quality instruction at scale: focusing on setting and communicating expectations about instruction; supporting educators; developing systems to address greater student needs; and improving technology and data infrastructure. The strategies and recommendations are intended to be used to frame conversations among district leaders and to guide strategic planning for the 2020-21 school year. [For the Summary Brief "Supporting Learning in the COVID-19 Context: A Summary Brief," see ED609242.]