Covid19
- Covid19. 01
- Although public education is a “state right” constitutionally, do you think that the federal government should make a decision regarding opening schools for all states? Why or why not.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) disease outbreak in the US has led to a dramatic series of upheavals on every social level. Like a few other institutions, schools are the most affected and have affected and temporarily closed to curb the spread of the disease. In my opinion, the federal government should not decide on opening schools. Instead, they should try as much as possible to adopt and support online learning but not expose our children to this pandemic.
- Governor DeSantis is allowing each school district to decide on a reopening plan? Do you agree with this? Why or why not.
Unfortunately, I fail to agree with the governor in the subject matter. It will lead to an education imbalance among students. First, this is an expensive plan, considering restructuring classrooms set up in school to meet physical-distance requirements and only proposed in Florida alone.
- If you were the Superintendent of MDCPS, whom would you consult with to assist you in your reopening plan?
I would heavily depend on the County plans to reopen the school, consult the relevant medical team, parents, teachers, and students to formulate a potential successful plan.
- Are you in favor of opening public schools on August 24, 2020? Why or why not?
Although the IATF approves the reopening of face to face classes in august, from my point of view, I can’t entirely agree with the plan. First, August is too soon to implement the reopening properly, and resources might not be on time. Secondly, given that we do not even have a vaccine to the disease, it still poses a great danger.
- What type of plan do you think is best?
- 5 days full-time virtual learning
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of each plan
- 5 days face-to-face
Advantages: it operates on a platform that offers all students educational opportunities, cheap and most convenient mode of learning compared to the other two methods.
Disadvantage: this is the riskiest proposed method of learning in this coronavirus times.
- Hybrid ( some face to face and some virtual learning)
Advantage: This method is flexible. It offers learning options to students and allows even coronavirus victim students and teachers to study and teach.
Disadvantage: this method is somewhat complicated. This method complicates students learning patterns to change between virtual to face to face.
- 5-day full-time virtual learning
Advantage: This is the safest method of all three. It ensures all coronavirus precautions are in order by merely staying at homes and observing social/ physical distance.
Disadvantages: This plan involves knowledge of the internet and technological skills for both teachers and students. Also, there will be possible causes of absenteeism. Further, the lack of resources and technical hitches may interrupt the whole learning session.
- Do you think teachers and school staff should choose whether or not to work at a school site when face-to-face classes resume?
Yes. Given the spread and infection of the virus, every individual has an equal right to choose when, where, and working conditions necessary. It is essential to let them decide and not work forcefully. I believe the constitution protects everyone, and all citizens have the right to freedom of expression.
- What would be some options if more parents choose to physically attend school, then teachers and school staff? if more parents
Successful recovery and reopening of schools rely heavily on public trust in the government. Clear communication via credible channels on reopening plans can help achieve this trust. It would be chaotic if more parents were physical schooling. Nonetheless, if such a situation were to occur, more testing and strict guideline to adhere to coronavirus prevention measures need to be followed. Time distribution and increase the number of school teachers, whether virtual through videoconferencing or physically, to fill in the prolonged class intervals gap. More classes to effectively distribute students or learning interval alterations option could help to serve all students exclusively.
- What do you think are parents’ main concern(s) with face-to-face attendance, and what can the schools do to minimize those concerns (s)?
The fact that the plan of reopening schools is worrying to the superintendent, teachers, and staff is a significant concern for parents. As teachers, most parents are not ready for their children back to school, some even claiming that “no vaccine, no classes.” They still feel it is not yet safe for schools to resume. It is equally difficult for the schools to handle the pressure and provide a solution to the crisis. For this reason, associations representing teachers and parents have criticized the push to reopening schools. Teachers and staff continue to be reluctant to resuming back to school. I also think schools should remain closed and more resources directed toward strategies aimed at improving access to virtual learning.