Randi Weingarten: What summer programs can teach us about reopening schools this fall - The Washington Post

Randi Weingarten: What summer programs can teach us about reopening schools this fall - The Washington Post

This summer, we can test-drive best practices for safely reopening schools

Randi Weingarten is president of the American Federation of Teachers.

Parents, educators and students are wondering whether, and how, public schools will reopen in the fall. It’s a daunting challenge. But with real investment and planning, the next few months could provide an opportunity to test-drive best practices for safely reopening schools. If safe to do so, school districts might offer voluntary summer school, adhering to public health protocols to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. This could help students catch up on lost learning as well as get needed social and emotional support.

The covid-19 pandemic closed schools practically overnight. Absent other choices, distance learning ramped up almost as quickly. Although teachers have done remarkable work, the past two months make clear that remote learning is no substitute for in-person classroom learning and interaction. Many parents have newfound respect for the craft of teaching, and students say they can’t wait to get back to school.

The covid-19 crisis has exacerbated some glaring inequities. Rural and low-income students often lack broadband Internet, laptops, tablets or phones with which to work. They have missed opportunities to connect with their teachers and classmates. English-language learners and students with disabilities have been at a disadvantage, as have students facing housing or food insecurity.

As much as 70 percent of the achievement gap between affluent students and their less-advantaged peers can be attributed to the “summer slide.” This year’s unprecedented “spring slide” is certain to worsen that gap. But studies also show that students who participate in high-quality, voluntary, multiweek summer learning programs make significant gains in reading and math, as well as experiencing social and emotional benefits.

Reopening schools is a key part of overall reopening, but it must be done safely and thoughtfully. The fight against the coronavirus is far from over, and the second wave of the 1918 flu was worse than the first. Absent a vaccine, no one knows what the future will bring. Adhering to public health safeguards is CONTINUE READING: Randi Weingarten: What summer programs can teach us about reopening schools this fall - The Washington Post