I really appreciate this op-ed on how learning pods will perpetuate inequalities in school. @ClaraTGreen doesn't offer alternative answers to the problem of parents needing childcare and kids needing hands-on support. But I have some ideas. (thread) 1/ https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/22/opinion/pandemic-pods-schools.html#click=https://t.co/tP4LbDUlbz

Parents interested in pandemic learning pods seem to want: 1) more instructional support and social interaction than they expect their kids will get with online learning in a class of 20-30 kids, 2) more hands-on support than they are able to provide while working full time. 2/

To solve the learning pods problem, I think we need to separate the three problems parents are trying to solve with these pods (lack of instructional support, lack of social interaction, lack of childcare). And I don't think schools should have to solve them all. 3/

First, in terms of lack of instructional support, a more equitable solution than private pods would be *small classes.* Give schools money to hire enough teachers so that each kid can have a small class (<10) taught by a single teacher, in-person (if safe) or online. 4/

Small classes reduce the virus risk if they're in person and increase instructional quality if they're online. They allow kids to get more of the individualized support they need. And reduce the need for parent oversight. And that's what many parents want with learning pods. 5/

Of course, hiring more teachers will require a lot of money from Congress/the DOE. And it may require delaying the start of the school year (to give time for $ and hiring). But there is a large supply of certified teachers not currently working who could be enticed back in. 6/

Second, in terms of lack of social interaction, I'd argue that purely social pods are more equitable than ones focused on learning. Certainly, these pods won't be fully equitable or inclusive. But at least they won't help privileged kids get extra, learning-wise. 7/

Making pods purely social can also help parents (and especially privileged parents) avoid putting too much academic pressure on kids right now. This year should be about "good enough" when it comes to learning. That means limiting learning time and making time for fun. 8/

Third, in terms of lack of childcare, I *get* how hard this is and will be on working moms. But I think childcare co-ops are a better solution than private learning pods, especially if coupled with online public instruction and if stay-at-home parents join to help. 9/

As with social pods, it will be difficult to organize these co-ops in a fully equitable and inclusive way. But I'd argue that this way families (moms) get the childcare they need, they don't take teachers away from public schools, and they don't increase inequity in school. 10/

And of course, if we *really* want to solve the school problem, we should focus on stopping the virus. Shut *everything* down. Keep *everyone* home. That, plus a big federal investment to support safe school practices moving forward, is the best way to reopen schools.//