admin The USA plans to postpone the reopening of schools until later this year. A remote fall semester seems much too likely at this juncture. School leaders around the country are planning for the possibility of more distance learning next fall at the start of yet another school year.
Mandates and Responses
Although US President, Joe Biden has made the reopening of schools in the country a top priority, administrators say there is much to consider as new strains of the coronavirus appear and teachers wait their turn for vaccinations. The response of parents to this contentious issue has also been varied. While some support the decision to reopen schools across the country, others state that they won’t feel safe sending their children to schools until the vaccination drive is completed. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top public health expert, said late last month the Biden administration hopes to start vaccinating children by late spring or early summer. By then, districts will also be deep into preparations for the next school year.
Perspectives on the Issue
Brian Woods, Superintendent of Northside Independent School District stated, “As far as 2021-22, at least some part of that school year is likely still going to be pandemic response-related on the assumption that children won’t have access to the vaccine, or at least many won’t.” This could mean a more teacher-friendly version of the mix of in-person and remote learning happening now, one that doesn’t require teachers to simultaneously instruct two groups. That could be accomplished either by splitting staffing or rearranging schedules, he said, adding longer term may see an all-remote option for students who have moved on permanently from traditional school.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has also vowed that schools in the nation’s largest school district are “going to be back full-strength in September.” Michael Mulgrew, Head of the Teachers’ Union counters by stating that it’s too soon to commit to any decisive statement. He also added that it will take more than teacher vaccines to open schools fully and safely.
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