699

School Re-openings: Is it worth the risk?

Posted on by ssteffiare

School Re-openings: Is it worth the risk?

By: Skylar Steffiare

 

In early March of 2020, schools across the United States planned to shut down for a short period of time to discuss ways of managing the rising number of COVID-19 cases. What started as a two-week break of online learning quickly morphed into the closure of schools for the rest of the academic year. Now as the academic year of 2020-21 is soon to begin, many schools are deciding whether or not in-person classes are possible. While there are both benefits and risks to re-opening schools, students should be reintegrated back into the school environment with proper precautions taken into account.

 

Benefits to Re-opening

 

Evidence shows that when students aren’t in school, mostly during summer break, learning is lost due to the lack of a school environment. Although remote learning is taking place across the country, each student has varying levels of success. Many parents may be essential workers, leaving students to complete their school work alone without an at-home teacher. Additionally, some students have limited access to electronics or lack of support at home, causing remote learning to not work for many. Schools are also able to provide students safety from abusive households, a return to school would allow the students a break from an unsafe environment and access to a community for support. If classes were conducted in schools, it would provide a safe and consistent learning environment for students. 

 

Along with safe learning environments, schools are able to provide social and emotional development for students, which they wouldn’t receive at home. Skills such as language, communication, and responsible decision making are all encouraged in the classroom, helping to build interpersonal connections between an individual and their community. 

The community connection and the feeling of support from both peers and adults also help to combat negative family relations as well as improve social and emotional skills.

 

Upon re-opening, students will also once again gain access to school resources. Many students find comradery with their peers, but students also grow attached to certain teachers, faculty members, or coaches. Teachers not only provide academic support for students but also emotional support and trusted adults students can go to for help. Additionally, students who have IEP’s (Individualized Education Program) lack one-on-one assistance with at home teaching. Students who speak a language other than English at home also may not have access to resources available through the school. Furthermore, schools provide resources for emotional help through psychological counseling, behavioral assessments, and more. For students with unsupportive home lives or lack of funds, school resources could be the only place students can access such help.

 

The Risks of Re-opening

 

In the United States, schools began to close in early March as they adopted remote learning in case of a surge of COVID-19 cases, with 22,652 confirmed cases by March 31st. Now by August 7th, there were 62,042 cases, and many local governments and schools are determined to hold classes in person in the fall. If the number of COVID-19 cases was deemed dangerous at 25,000, many believe it’s odd for schools to be re-opening when cases have doubled from that in March.

 

A recent study suggests that the closures of schools in the spring prevented thousands of cases of COVID-19. Although only temporary and prior to any social distancing measures and mask mandates, the closing of schools helped to prevent possible cases and deaths of school-aged children. When deciding if schools should open in the coming fall, they will, of course, be recommended to follow the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’ (CDC) guidelines provided to schools but many still are using this study to show that schools shouldn’t reopen in the fall.

 

As some schools do plan to re-open in the fall, many are asking what the plan is if a COVID-19 case is found within the school. If a coronavirus outbreak were to occur within a school, how would they manage? How many cases would cause schools to shut down again? With many back-to-school plans still in the works, these questions currently don’t have answers. With so much unknown, many parents are reluctant to have their children head back to school in the fall. 

 

The COVID Catch-22

 

With varying numbers of cases nationwide, it is up to state and local governments to decide what is best for their schools. The differences in re-opening plans, a quick return to normalcy versus longer shutdown procedures, show a clear partisan divide in the government’s systems. A new survey done by the POLITICO-Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health demonstrates how the partisan tensions and differences in opinions greatly impact a state’s reopening plans, and consequently the number of cases within the state. State and local governments must decide if they are able to properly provide the precautions necessary to ensure the safety of students and staff. 

 

The risk of students returning to school is further transmission of COVID-19. Whether a student is a carrier of the virus and brings it to an elderly or immunocompromised relative, or the students themselves is immunocompromised is not extremely susceptible to the virus. The increase in the number of cases, and possible deaths, is not something to be taken lightly. Many school systems, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and New York City are working towards a hybrid model to allow safety for students and staff as well as access to the school environment and the resources that come with it. If safety precautions are executed with utmost care and precision, the benefits of returning to school outway the risks.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Uncategorised

ssteffiare

More Posts

699 Comments

  1. Along with the idea of IEP plans for students in the school reopening’s is hopefully a plan for students that have also physical or mental disabilities such as Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, etc. which require an extra set of attention. Many school districts offer different therapies that help these students that you would not be able to find easily at home these include speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy all of which can be offered in at home services but usually are not covered by insurance and are very expensive to find in home substitutes where is at the school those services are offered every day on a consistent basis all roughly 200 days of the school year. Without these certain services some of these students will fall behind on their learning in certain development and might have a hard time adapting when school eventually returns in person.

  2. Your article was clear in listing all the pros and cons of having school reopen. Then, all the routes it could possibly take. When it comes down to it, who do you believe could be considered for blame if there is an outbreak. Should be the students, parents, teachers, or faculty. Also, I think it should be regarded as that regardless people will get sick because here in America our quarantine is not as good as could be with people at the beach, at parties, and car meets right now. So, what consequences should be made, so people take this seriously

  3. You do a great job displaying your evidence for the risks and benefits but this problem I think should be looked at based on the students’ age. For younger kids like in elementary school, online learning would be harder for students compared to someone in high school or college. Also, the style of learning is different dependent on your grade, younger grades experience a lot more group work and activities that help progress students learning more engagingly. Also just based on how sanitization has been recently how would the school day flow would there need to be time for staff to clean between classes or would it all be done after the day is over?

  4. I’m assuming lots of us in this course were just seniors in high school aside from some students who might’ve taken gap years or transferred in from other schools, so a large percentage of us took our senior spring online, where things were probably a bit of a coast compared to what kids in more intensive classes might’ve had to do to keep up at home. I saw you mentioned the risk of students transmitting to older people who would be at a higher risk, what would you think of teachers opting out for that same concern in areas which go back to school in-person? It’s certainly an odd territory we find ourselves in, since so many people we need to successfully go back in person would be in a risky position. Side note: like the idea of a hybrid model, which I’ve seen on the class site in a few articles
    (This one included!).

  5. The reopening of schools seems to be on everyone’s minds lately, especially as many of us have siblings returning in the fall or even parents who work in the school system. As evidenced in New Hampshire, reopening plans vary significantly from district to district, which only leaves parents and students at a loss. Even with CDC guidelines, many are unsure of the safety of teachers and students alike, as you mentioned. However, I appreciate that you mentioned students with IEPs, as many children with disabilities are at a significant disadvantage when it comes to distance learning. Allowing the reopening of schools would help ease this disparity, something that isn’t often talked about when it comes to the pros and cons of remote learning. I agree that reopening would provide substantial benefits, but only if schools can contain the virus and protect students and staff alike. Without a lot of evidence, decisions like this are extremely difficult for anyone to make, especially when each child’s homelife varies. Your article really made me think, and you brought up some excellent points!

  6. I believe you’ve made excellent points considering the pros and cons of children attending school. I am definitely on the same page about the issues of who would be to blame for an outbreak to occur within a school setting. It’s a question that I think wouldn’t receive a definitive answer. However, we’d hope the school districts individually develop a successful plan to incorporate the benefits of choosing the tentative learning environments for their students. As we know, we’d want every child to be successful and have the ability and freedom to adapt to their learning style of learning. Deciding on how each student can obtain all necessary resources to help them in their studies during the pandemic is a concern I have. How can the school districts provide funds to ensure that every child has the resources like you stated to ensure success?

  7. I believe some of these pros to reopening could seriously save a child’s life. Some children look forward to school every day because it gets them out of a toxic home and provides them with a meal that they may not get to have at their own home. Also, for some of the younger grades, they are learning skills that can’t necessarily be taught to them by their parents, like you were saying. Parents may need to hire full time tutors to teach their young children basic skills such as reading and writing. As a senior in the spring, I was lucky that the second half of my school year was filled with electives that I didn’t necessarily need to learn, unlike tons of teens and children taking essential courses that are harder to learn online. These are all things that school boards and districts need to consider when making the tough decision of what to do for the fall. Being in person will allow the student to learn to the fullest of their ability, rather than online classes which can also run into issues such as cheating or plagiarism.

  8. I do not believe school reopening is worth the risk because all it is going to do is cause the virus to spread faster. Also, younger children are horrible at covering their mouths when they sneeze. They tend to pick there nose etc.… All of that plus washing their hands rarely would lead to them passing germs to the next kid. what if the next child has a lot of medical conditions that would put them at risk. I understand your blog and you made valid points as to benefits of children returning to school, however I think we should give it at least a few more moments.

  9. I really enjoyed your article. You executed the information very well, and were able to provide both pros and cons. It is such a difficult decision determining whether to allow children to physically attend school. I believe schools should take a similar approach to universities and require students be tested AT LEAST once a week, while continuing to use a hybrid/hyflex program which will allow students to stay home if they present symptoms.

  10. One of the big reason schools shut down in March was because we didn’t understand how to handle COVID. There was little knowledge on why certain people got sick, and how it was transmissible. Now, starting the new school year we are more prepared and can set up the schools to be COVID friendly. This includes masks and social distancing and spreading out the students to limit the number of people in the building each day (a hybrid model). I agree with you that complete online school would be harmful in so many ways and that a complete in person school would possibly worsen the pandemic. Hopefully, we can find a balance that would keep everyone safe.

  11. The article is organized in a way the reader can understand the difficult situation every university is facing because of the new reality. I believe that the hybrid system approach most of the universities and schools are deciding to establish for the upcoming semesters could work only with a well thought program/rules. The pros con cons listed above make clear that staying home for most of the students is not a reliable option to learn. Online education could work for universities but for schools is a little challenging because of the different ages and learning capabilities. During this unpredictable times going for the most viable and smart decision could prepare the students, staff and universities for the next unexpected occurrence.

  12. I’m surprised you had a decent amount of focus on the communication and social aspect of schooling, because I find that people tend to skip over that in this argument. I’m impressed and happy that you put an emphasis on this, because I think it’s a big factor that is always forgotten. I agree that teachers and other students have a large effect in school to keep people social and easy going in social settings. Without this daily interaction many kids might start to behave in a way that would make life in the future harder for them. Without this interaction many kids may start to isolate themselves and the lack of social situations might make it hard for them to get back into the wing of things later on.

  13. I could still tell you that your emotional wounds can be healed. But you can do it, it’s complicated. You just have to think about filing. And online it can be done. When we were in controversy, my wife and I did. We find costs for calmerry.com and I am very thankful for your support. I hope it is just as beneficial to what I say to you. I sincerely hope that the region, good fortune and prosperity will be the perfect material for you.

  14. Life during the COVID-19 pandemic is equally difficult for parents and children. Returning to school is an important and hopefully long awaited event. If you need help writing your essay, order from the professionals – https://writemyessays.me/.

  18. To be honest, with the current situation in the country and the number of infected people, it seems to me that it is not desirable to open schools. After all, schools in quarantine can develop, for example, edit videos, in the best video editor from movavi https://www.movavi.com/videoeditor/ . Everything is very simple, and most importantly high quality and fast, I recommend it to everyone.

  20. Hello! Thank you for this informative article. But I’m still concerned that this may be a recipe for Disaster. These politicians had last year, and a whole summer this year to prepare the schools and protect the kids. The schools need to install HEPA filter air purifiers in the classrooms, auditorium and the lunch room. The cost could be offset by Government grants. It’s a much better use of stimulus money than giving it away in a vaccine lottery. Mask and vaccines are not enough.
    https://bestpotdelivery.com/cannabis-in-calgary

  22. Downloading a video from facebook video downloader 720p is usually a task for professionals. The video is usually a private video that is not meant for public consumption. So the player asks you to download the video before you can watch it. That’s when you need a video downloader like ours.

  23. Are you looking for a Salesforce Administrator job? Salesforce is a very popular CRM application. We are a Salesforce training school, offering salesforce admin course training online and on-site. We can help you become a Salesforce administrator.

  24. Missing your favourite British Food We’re a British food store that ships British food worldwide. Our online grocery store sells British groceries.

  26. help me with my math homework and homework help. Get plagiarism-free homework or assignment help with solutions & dedicated tutoring sessions from global expert tutors.. Get plagiarism-free homework or assignment help with solutions & dedicated tutoring sessions from global expert tutors.

  27. Best of British NBPT specially deal in British Gifts, British Accessories and British Collectibles. We Provide Free Shipping in the USA. Our priority has always been to offer the largest selection of British products to our wonderful customers. Best British store in USA.

  28. Are you looking for a Salesforce Administrator job? Salesforce is a very popular CRM application. We are a Salesforce training school, offering salesforce admin course training online and on-site. We can help you become a Salesforce administrator.

  29. Ravi Gupta is a professional SEO specialist, affiliate marketer & entrepreneur from India. He is the author of this blog and he has been blogging since 2019. The main purpose of this website to help small business owners & bloggers to drive organic traffic and make money online

  31. Thank you for letting me know. In fact, I really like how your article lays out the pros and cons of opening schools. That is, each reader will be able to evaluate the different aspects of this decision for himself. This is the only correct presentation of such information. Therefore, thank you very much for your objectivity. I hope that we can all overcome this disease. But what is now beginning to gain momentum in China again is frightening. cbd gummies for pain

  32. Quantoknack is part of the Salesforce Admin Training In Dallas . Our mission is to provide the most advanced and cutting edge Salesforce training. Quantoknack, a part of Salesforce admin training in Dallas , offers an intensive, hands-on approach to learning. Our instructors are professionals who have years of experience implementing and customizing Salesforce solutions for customers around the world.

  33. Our salesforce admin training course is designed to help students become a Salesforce Administrator. The courses are created by industry experts and provide a step-by-step learning methodology that allows you to learn at your own pace.

  34. Hi everyone, I am Ravi Gupta. I have started this blog so that you can get the latest updated and informative news of SEO updates and trends, articles about affiliate marketing, and much more interesting stuff.

  36. We have maintained the traditional way of manufacturing high quality English tea to ensure that the authenticity of flavors remains intact and you can enjoy the original taste and aroma of tea every day. All our English tea products are packed carefully to maintain long lasting freshness and uncompromised taste. Our tea is beloved by tea lovers all over the world and we are dedicated to maintain the finest standards to serve our customers with the best products. London Cuppa is the perfect companion to enjoy

  37. quantoknack teaches QA Testing Course how to become better testers. Quantoknack is a course that provides practical, hands-on training, equipping you with skills to be a successful QA professional. Read more about our course here or enroll today!

  38. Keep up the fantastic work, I read few articles on this site and I conceive that your blog is rattling interesting and contains bands of wonderful information. visit my site: AGEN SLOT ONLINE TERPERCAYA

  39. Keep up the fantastic work, I read few articles on this site and I conceive that your blog is rattling interesting and contains bands of wonderful information. visit my site: Bonanza138

  40. How To Create A Report In Salesforce
    As per Forbes, data analytics can bring a lot of benefits to your organization. By leveraging the power of data analytics, you can identify potential risks, improve customer retention rate, and do many more. However, you cannot do data analysis until you generate accurate Salesforce reports.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *