School in September?

[New Contributor]

What will school look like in September? It’s a question that’s at the top of most people’s minds, especially educators. This is typically the time of year most educators spend reflecting on their practice, spending time with family and in some cases attending professional development to engage in learning communities to share best practices. However, this year things are different. We’re in the midst of a global pandemic with questions that can’t be answered, with the most pressing question being, “Do we return to school for face to face instruction, or do we go completely virtual?” While the answer seems pretty clear, many districts are planning to return to school for face to face instruction in September, and with the threat of losing out on federal funding for not returning, it seems as if this is their only option.  

Face to face instruction for large student populations poses a health risk for anyone working in the building, especially educators and students, and quite frankly, with cases on the rise this option just doesn’t make sense. Teachers will now be responsible for things such as cleaning the desks, supplies, and anything else that may have been used before students enter their room all while managing and ensuring student use of PPE and teaching with students sitting 6 feet apart. Let’s remember, this is merely one layer and does not begin to address the nuanced interactions educators and students have at school. 

Although virtual learning is the most viable option, it still comes with drawbacks. Not all families have access to the internet or devices to support the students in the household, not to mention working from home is not an option for many parents and neither is leaving their child at home unattended for the workday. Furthermore, we all know that learning is social, and without intentional planning and adequate teacher training, students will lose important critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Although there are obvious health risks in returning to school for face to face instruction, there are other long-lasting issues that if unchecked, will continue to decimate the already frail educational structure. In my humble opinion, it’s time for a complete overhaul and restructuring of what education should look and feel like. 

Despite being in the eye of the storm, we can still find peace. Returning to school for face to face instruction quite frankly is too dangerous and will inherently be the cause of more outbreaks. It’s time for a complete overhaul and it begins with the community. For example, communities could start homeschooling co-ops that mirror what more affluent districts are doing. There would be individualized instruction, smaller class sizes and classes could be held outdoors and in other non-traditional settings. Companies like Tailor Made Learning, based in Detroit, MI, do a great job of sitting with families and designing an educational experience that truly allows families to have a say in HOW their young person learns. Community Activists and educators such as Nikala Asante, based in Houston, TX, are creating and building opportunities for virtual African-Centered homeschooling. There are options. 

We live in a capitalist society and it’s time we understood what that truly means. All too often the people impacted the most by these decisions are not at the table, yet we have yet to realize we are the ones with the real power. Sending your child back to school in September for face to face instruction is not safe. The world of education is changing and it’s time we started designing experiences that teach our young people how to think critically and problem solve in ways that positively impact OUR communities. Yes, it takes hard work, but the outcomes are worthwhile and most importantly long-lasting.

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