Wondering how schools will reopen amid the pandemic? Experts roll out tracker for that
How will schools reopen during the coronavirus pandemic? Johns Hopkins has a new way to track the policies.
The university launched a dashboard that tracks each state’s school reopening plans. The viewer can look at plans based on 12 categories, including that state’s plans for coronavirus protection or before- and after-school programs.
“As the United States begins to think about reopening, schools should be at the forefront of the conversation,” Johns Hopkins eSchool+ Initiative said on its website. “Not only will schools need to reopen in a way that makes every effort to protect the safety and health of students, teachers, and staff, but schools will need to find new ways to help students make up for the losses in learning, health, and support systems that occurred as a result of the closure.”
The tracker looks at the “education recovery plans put forth by states” and looks at how each plan supports students and teachers, Johns Hopkins said.
“Importantly, this analysis offers a view of state recovery plans at a snapshot in time; there may have been changes or updates to these plans since this analysis was conducted,” it said.
How and when schools will reopen has been on many Americans’ minds as fall gets closer. President Donald Trump tweeted Wednesday that he “may cut off funding” if schools don’t open.
“The Dems think it would be bad for them politically if U.S. schools open before the November Election, but is important for the children & families,” Trump tweeted. “May cut off funding if not open!”
In Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and many other countries, SCHOOLS ARE OPEN WITH NO PROBLEMS. The Dems think it would be bad for them politically if U.S. schools open before the November Election, but is important for the children & families. May cut off funding if not open!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 8, 2020
Trump has said everyone wants schools to reopen, but McClatchy News reported that some teachers aren’t enthusiastic about returning to a traditional classroom.
“Regardless of the date, no school must reopen until the pandemic has clearly begun to subside and strict safety standards are in place for that campus,” the Texas State Teachers Association said in a statement.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, however, supports schools reopening, according to McClatchy News.
“Students who are in school learn more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. They also learn social and emotional skills, get healthy meals and exercise, and mental health support,” Dr. Sally Goza, president of the AAP, said during Trump’s press conference Tuesday. “Schools help identify and address learning deficits, physical abuse, substance use, depression, and suicidal (ideas). These are all critical reasons to get children back to school.”
Forty-four states have released school reopening plans, and you can see how your state’s plan compares here.
