In a typical year, families would be gearing up for summer break and planning for the upcoming school year. However, after enduring months of remote “crisis schooling” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, parents, students, and educators are grappling with uncertainty about what the 2020-2021 academic year holds.
While the curve has been flattened and all 50 states are beginning to reopen, the novel coronavirus remains a significant threat. As the CDC’s recent guidelines for reopening schools circulate, parents everywhere are questioning the feasibility of such measures and their implications for student safety.
The drastic steps required to follow social distancing protocols are both extensive and costly. For those who have experienced life in a public school, the recommendations may seem impractical. “They’re suggesting that our kids shouldn’t share anything,” says Lisa Johnson, a second-grade teacher from Indiana. “That means separate games and individual learning centers. This places a huge burden on teachers. Instead of purchasing a few sets of an activity, we’d need to buy 25. That’s just not doable.”
In addition to requiring separate supplies, the CDC recommends masks, closed cafeterias and playgrounds, six feet of distance between children, sneeze guards, and buses adhering to social distancing guidelines. Students are expected to remain in one classroom throughout the day. Unfortunately, American schools are not set up to implement these COVID-19 safety measures effectively. While schools must eventually reopen, many lack the necessary resources, space, and staff to comply with social distancing requirements due to time constraints and budget limitations.
“The guidelines may seem reasonable from the CDC’s perspective, but from a teacher’s viewpoint, they are completely unrealistic—and frankly, impossible,” remarks Sarah Thompson, a third-grade teacher who returned to the U.S. from abroad due to the pandemic.
The guidelines may differ based on state and local infection rates, which only adds to the confusion. Even in regions with low COVID-19 case numbers, the concern remains about whether children will receive adequate protection. Parents are left pondering the implications for their children attending school.
To gather insights, we reached out to parents worldwide. “For me, it will take affordable treatment, zero cases, and rigorous testing before I feel safe sending my child back,” says Brian, a parent from Belgium, in a private group discussion. “My daughter has asthma, and we’ve seen a rise in cases of inflammatory diseases linked to COVID-19. It’s absurd.”
Although recent reports suggest that children without underlying conditions are less affected by COVID-19, asthma is still listed as a risk factor by the CDC. Nearly 20 million individuals in the U.S. have asthma, with almost 9 million being children. This means millions of kids are at risk for this misunderstood virus. For high-risk children and parents, the anxiety surrounding school reopenings is even more pronounced.
“I would have felt more secure with a stringent lockdown until we observed near-zero new cases, followed by comprehensive testing for those returning to work,” shares David, another concerned parent. “Instead, we have had weak stay-at-home orders that are scarcely enforced, with restrictions lifted as soon as the curve appears to flatten rather than waiting for genuine improvement.”
Given the U.S.’s shortcomings in safeguarding its citizens from COVID-19, many parents find hope only in the development of a reliable vaccine. President Trump’s task force initially estimated a vaccine could be available within 18 months, yet The New York Times highlights that no effective vaccine has ever been developed in less than four years. Moreover, researchers warn that fewer than 10% of drugs entering clinical trials ever receive FDA approval.
Some parents express skepticism about sending their children back to school under the current administration. “It would take a trustworthy president, widespread reliable testing, a vaccine that is updated annually to counter mutations, and a full understanding of how the disease operates and spreads to feel safe,” says Lisa.
The truth is, it could be years before an effective vaccine is available, if one is developed at all. Worst-case scenarios suggest that COVID-19 could become another virus without a proven vaccine, akin to herpes, HIV/AIDS, or RSV, leaving families waiting indefinitely.
“I’m relocating to California soon and hope that outdoor classrooms become a reality,” suggests another mom, Jessica. “Staggered schedules with fewer students per class would also provide peace of mind. I think we should consider postponing kindergarten next year if possible.”
Split schedules, where students attend in smaller groups at different times, have been proposed by several states as a potential reopening strategy. However, given the asymptomatic nature of COVID-19, many believe that mass testing is essential for ensuring the safety of American students.
Countries like New Zealand have effectively eliminated COVID-19 through mass testing, strict lockdowns, and robust contact tracing, allowing schools to reopen. “In New Zealand, schools opened because there’s been no community transmission of the virus,” shares Elen, a mother from New Zealand. “I felt confident sending my preschooler back knowing they had solid hygiene protocols in place.”
While the U.S. has conducted millions of tests, mass testing would require a commitment to testing millions more. We must keep testing until daily cases decrease significantly. However, due to insufficient resources and governmental support, the U.S. struggles to manage even 100,000 tests daily.
Despite fears surrounding school reopenings, many families lack the luxury of homeschooling options. With over 40 million Americans filing for unemployment since the pandemic began, many children live in households below the federal poverty line. Their choices are stark: either keep their kids at home and face financial hardship or send them to school, hoping for their safety while still providing for their families.
Parents have been doing their best to adapt, yet the struggle continues. Eventually, schools will need to reopen for economic reasons and the benefit of families, as well as to ensure that this generation continues their education. When that happens, it’s crucial that those without alternatives feel protected from the threat of COVID-19.
For parents able to do so, keeping children at home to continue remote learning might be the safest choice—not only for their own kids but also to safeguard their classmates. Fewer students in physical classrooms could facilitate proper COVID-19 safety measures. Teachers could maintain the necessary distance, buses could operate efficiently, and educators could manage their budgets more realistically if given the right resources.
This isn’t to say that homeschooling is a convenient option for those who can afford it—it certainly isn’t. But if feasible, many parents may choose this route for their child’s safety and the safety of others. The challenge remains, however, of how withdrawing students from public schools would affect funding, as school budgets are often based on enrollment figures. More funding typically leads to better educational outcomes, but the additional costs of socially distanced education raise concerns about possible budget cuts that could adversely impact those who remain in the system.
So, could schools offer families choices? The option to continue remote learning or return to in-person classrooms could provide some flexibility in these uncertain times. Ultimately, parents and educators are navigating uncharted territory, and cooperation and adaptability will be essential.
In summary, the reopening of schools poses significant challenges in ensuring the safety of students and staff as the pandemic continues. Many parents are anxious about potential risks, particularly for high-risk children. While options like homeschooling or staggered schedules may provide some relief, the reality is that schools will need to find ways to operate safely amidst ongoing concerns. The future of education may look different, and flexibility will be key in navigating this unprecedented situation.
Keyphrase: School Reopening Challenges
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