Teachers union calls for nationwide summer school
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Governor Bill Lee has recommended schools to stay closed for the rest of the year. However, some educators are concerned about students falling behind. That’s why one of the country's largest teacher's unions is calling for students to attend summer school.
The American Federation of Teachers is proposing a nationwide, four week summer school program. The plan is contingent on whether it is safe enough to be in school by then.
"It is really to get kids ready for next year," said Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers. "So instead of thinking about it as remedial, think of it as a bridge toward next year."
Researchers say ultimately, school closures will impact the classroom. Next year, students could return to school with only 70% of the reading level they should be on and almost 50% of the expected math knowledge.
"It's instruction to deal with summer loss or this year's loss or this change that has upended everything, it reinforces and provides instruction, it provides food and nurturing, it provides some well-being issues and it also really helps parents,” said Weingarten.
The teachers union has asked for a $25 billion federal relief to pay for this program. This would be separate funds from what should be used next year.
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