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Public school teacher here:
There has been a lot of talk about re-opening schools, but we need to read beyond the headlines for more nuance (as is often to the case):
There has been a lot of talk about re-opening schools, but we need to read beyond the headlines for more nuance (as is often to the case):
First a couple sources. Here's one article that has some of the information: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/26/world/cdc-schools-reopening.html
Here's the article with more details quoted in the NYT article: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2775875
The push to open schools is also seems to be paired with the push to open everything. This study does not say to open everything.
Instead, it recommends doing things like closing restaurants and gyms in order to open schools. At the same time there is a push to open schools, there is also a push to open up restaurants and gyms (& everything else), this study seems to say we have to make a choice.
This study also seems to show that following the guidelines is what works, not that schools are a magical safe-zone. It works in schools where guidelines are followed, but they also cite examples of outbreaks in schools were the guidelines were not followed.
The study also cites examples where non-guideline adhering activities such as sports also spur outbreaks.
It seems to show that anywhere that the guidelines can be strictly followed can be quite safe.
So for example, a bible study with strict masks and distancing is probably just as safe as school with the same.
(I could be wrong on this, but I suspect this to be true).
So for example, a bible study with strict masks and distancing is probably just as safe as school with the same.
(I could be wrong on this, but I suspect this to be true).
So strict mask and distancing guidelines are what works. But distancing causes a practical challenge: space.
In private schools, class sizes are typically smaller, and with a few students from each class choosing to stay home, it is likely that they can fit the whole class safely in a classroom, every day. (That's great!)
However, in many public schools, class sizes might be double that of private schools, but with similar sized classrooms. So you have to split kids up and do a hybrid model: some kids on some days, some kids on other days.
For example, in my school's hybrid plan, it would mean half the class 2 days a week, the other half 2 days a week, and then each half would have 3 days of individual asynchronous work time.
First of all, this means LESS contact with the teacher. Right now in an all-online environment, they get to see and interact with their teacher every weekday. Moving to hybrid would mean only seeing their teacher 2 days a week. This seems to me a step back.
Additionally, this hybrid model is a less consistent schedule. In education consistency is important for students, parents, and even teachers. 2 days in school 3 days home is a more chaotic and inconsistent schedule.
There is also a real concern about the impact on student mental health. Sending a kid back to school to solve real mental health problems is a band-aid, not a solution.
Today's teenagers are having a massive mental health crisis, and it wasn't started by COVID, and won't end by sending them back to school.
Perhaps having students at home with parents has helped parents recognized the mental health problems they would have normally not noticed as they rush their kid off to school, sports, clubs, and activities every day.
And as @WHOHomeschool pointed out, this is the first time they don't have parents desperately trying to get students OUT of schools for mental health reasons.
Additionally, while it is safe to assume most mental health issues are at middle and high school levels, most re-openings start with the youngest students.
My school district plans to start with K-1. In my experience, the K-1s are doing the best out of anyone with remote, and they should go back to school last. My school goes through 6th grade, and of my students, I would bring 5th & 6th back first. They are struggling the most.
But perhaps middle/high schools are put last because they will be less likely to get to follow guidelines? Or they're expected to be able to handle online learning better? Or younger kids are less likely to spread COVID? All of the above?
Another interesting detail in my school's opening plan: specialists are considered last priority for returning to school. Me as librarian and technology specialist would fit in that group.
However, I am already going to school most days to support technology needs with students and families, plus running curbside library checkout. If we open up for K-1, that will not change my need to do those things.
So all of this is to say, it isn't just a simple as "Open all the schools now" There is much more that goes into it.
On a final note: I've said from the beginning I'll do what my district decides, and so far they've decided to stay online.
Once I get the vaccine, I'm up for whatever amount of students back to school with whatever precautions or not. To me Vaccine = Open up!
Once I get the vaccine, I'm up for whatever amount of students back to school with whatever precautions or not. To me Vaccine = Open up!
