Too many experts who do not have direct experience with classrooms, keep saying that students should be back in school for their well-being, but what these experts are not saying is that the schools we'll be returning to will not foster well-being. The guidelines are creating schools that are more like jails than schools--due to safety protocols and numbers, the limited mobility will really be uncomfortable and difficult for students and teachers. So what should we do?
Plan for vulnerable children first
First, I do think that the most vulnerable children with regard to learning or health, need to be the first concern. We have to set up situations where they are getting the programs they need. My son's college is doing this--students who need to be on campus have been invited to live on campus. My son can fend for himself and he does not have to be on campus--of course being on campus is ideal, but he can learn and do well outside of the campus. He'll make that sacrifice, but I clearly understand that others have to be on campus. The same is true of public schools--some students need to be in school for a variety of reasons, but many, many other students can learn well at home. This needs to be a consideration. Other children who have extensive health risks should not be at school as the threat of virus spread is too great for them--those children need a virtual program.
Take the long view and have most children learn from home
Most children will do just fine and some will thrive with a few more months of hybrid learning with some at-home learning. Even if they have to learn for one more year at home, they will do okay. There are ways that teachers can foster a positive hybrid program for those mainstream children whose families can support at-home learning. This is a model that avails itself to modern, brain-friendly, creative learning opportunities. We fostered a model like this in the spring and most children made incredible progress. Families can make learning cohorts that work together in safe ways with a model like this. I prefer this model for most teachers and learners, however, as a teacher I would also be happy to teach a small group of more vulnerable children in school on a regular basis. Either model for me looks safe and doable whereas these one-size-fits-all warehouse models do not work with regard to physical or psychological welfare.
Spend money with long time gain in mind
Lots of money will be wasted trying to squish students into schools for a lackluster education. I believe that using our imaginations and using the money wisely can translate this time into an investment into better education for the future. We can use the money for creative win-win solutions rather than expensive dull solutions.
