In a typical year, families would be gearing up for summer vacation and planning for the upcoming school year. However, after months of remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, parents, students, and educators are left feeling anxious and uncertain about the future of the 2020-2021 academic year.
While we have made strides in reducing the spread of the virus and all states are beginning to reopen, the reality is that the coronavirus is still very much present. As parents learn more about the guidelines from the CDC for reopening schools, many are questioning the feasibility of these standards and what they mean for the safety of students.
The measures required for schools to adhere to social distancing protocols would be extreme and financially burdensome. Those familiar with public education systems recognize that the recommendations may be nearly impossible to implement.
“The guidelines suggest that children shouldn’t share anything,” says Melissa Thompson, a second-grade teacher from Indiana. “That means having separate games and learning stations for each student. This places an enormous strain on teachers, who would need to purchase multiple sets of supplies, which is simply impractical.”
Beyond the need for individual supplies, the CDC has also recommended mask-wearing, the closure of cafeterias and playgrounds, maintaining six feet of distance between students, and the installation of sneeze guards. Furthermore, buses must comply with social distancing, and students would be required to remain in their classrooms throughout the day. Unfortunately, American schools are not equipped to handle such drastic changes.
As schools prepare to reopen, they may face the challenge of insufficient resources, space, and staff to meet the guidelines. “While these recommendations may seem reasonable from the CDC’s perspective, they are utterly impractical for educators,” states John Reed, a third-grade teacher who returned to the U.S. from abroad due to the pandemic.
Variations in guidelines from state to state and district to district complicate matters even further, raising concerns among parents about the level of protection their children will receive. To gain insight, we reached out to several parents for their views.
“Before I would feel safe allowing my child to return to school, there needs to be effective treatments, zero cases, and comprehensive testing,” explains Lisa, a parent from Belgium. “My son has asthma, and we’ve seen rising cases of inflammatory diseases in children linked to COVID-19. It’s absurd.”
While recent reports suggest that children without asthma are less affected by COVID-19, asthma remains a significant risk factor, affecting nearly 20 million people in the U.S., including 9 million children. The reopening of schools poses a heightened level of concern for these vulnerable children and their families.
“I would have felt more secure if we had implemented a full lockdown until cases were nearly nonexistent, followed by rigorous testing and contact tracing,” adds David, a concerned parent. “Instead, we’ve seen inconsistent stay-at-home orders and restrictions that are lifted too quickly.”
Given the missteps in America’s response to COVID-19, many parents are now pinning their hopes on the development and widespread distribution of an effective vaccine. Initially, the Trump administration estimated that a vaccine could be available within 18 months, but The New York Times reports that historically, creating an effective vaccine has taken at least four years. Furthermore, researchers caution that less than 10% of drugs entering clinical trials receive FDA approval.
With the current administration’s unreliable communication regarding the virus and vaccine, many parents are hesitant to send their children back to school. As Jen stated, “It would take a new, honest leadership, reliable testing, and a vaccine that adapts to mutations for me to feel comfortable.”
The prospect of a vaccine may still be years away. Some experts warn that COVID-19 might join the ranks of other viruses without effective vaccines, leaving us in a prolonged state of uncertainty.
“I’m considering moving to California, as outdoor classrooms seem like a safer option,” shares Holly. “Staggered schedules with smaller class sizes would also help.” Some states have proposed split schedules, allowing students to attend on alternate days or times. However, with the asymptomatic nature of COVID-19, mass testing remains a vital topic for parents seeking reassurance.
Countries like New Zealand, which have effectively contained COVID-19 through strict measures and robust testing, have reopened schools with confidence. “In New Zealand, schools resumed operations without community transmission of the virus,” says Elen, a mother from that region. “I felt assured sending my child back, knowing the health protocols in place.”
The U.S. has conducted millions of tests, but mass testing would require testing many more individuals regularly. Unfortunately, due to a lack of resources, the U.S. struggles to process even 100,000 tests daily.
Despite the fears surrounding school reopenings, many families lack the option to homeschool their children. Over 40 million Americans have filed for unemployment due to the pandemic, and historically, 21% of children in the U.S. live in families below the federal poverty line. For these families, the decision is stark: send their children to school, risking exposure, or keep them home and face financial hardship.
Parents have managed to adapt thus far, but the struggle is real. Eventually, schools will need to reopen for the sake of the economy and the education of our children. When that time comes, it’s crucial to ensure that those without alternatives are safeguarded against COVID-19 exposure.
This may mean that some parents opt to continue homeschooling to protect their children and their classmates. Fewer students attending school could facilitate the implementation of safety measures, allowing for proper distancing and resource management.
It’s important to note that this isn’t a simple choice for those with means, and the impact on school funding could be significant if enrollment decreases. More funding typically leads to better educational outcomes, but the additional costs of implementing social distancing could lead to budget cuts detrimental to the students who remain.
Ultimately, it may be necessary for schools to offer flexible options, allowing families to choose between remote learning and in-person classes, depending on their circumstances.
This unprecedented situation calls for adaptability from all parties involved. As we navigate this new terrain, it’s essential to recognize that education may look different for everyone.
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In summary, the challenges of safely reopening schools during the ongoing pandemic are significant, with concerns about resource availability and student safety taking center stage. Parents and educators alike are grappling with difficult decisions, and flexibility will be key in navigating this unprecedented situation.