Transparency in Teaching (Stuff) Podcast

Going Back to School Safely

9 out of 10 Pediatricians recommend….

We recorded this before the American Academy of Pediatrics released its very strong recommendation that all students return to school this fall. The AAP feels the harm that comes from students remaining at home far outweighs any risk of returning to campuses. They are concerned with the rise in depression, child abuse, food insecurity and the huge loss in learning that school closures have caused in children. And the fact that these issues disproportionately affect children of color and low income families more. They claim going back to school safely is possible. TheAAP points to school closures as causing the rise in depression, child abuse, food insecurity, and the huge loss in learning in children.The pediatricians suggests the risk of contracting the disease is very minimal if precautions such as social distancing and mask wearing are implemented,

White House Pushes to Open Schools, too

The White House is also pushing for schools to reopen. President Trump is suggesting the withholding of federal funds as an incentive to pressure districts to open. Trump criticized the CDC’s recommendations on how to go back to school safely. He complained they are too cumbersome and difficult for schools to follow. The president also suggested that Democrats are pushing to keep schools closed as a ploy to sway the election in November. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos also echoed the president’s demands. She believes that only a full reopening of schools is the best way to serve students and taxpayers. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has moved to revoke the student visas of any university student who does not enroll in at least one on campus course. According to the LA Times, the government issued over one million study visas last year. 

Looking to the future

Obviously this back to school issue is far from over. We’re likely to see more issues and controversies arise as this situation continues to develop. I can’t wait until we can say “ Remember way back when a microscopic organism threw the whole world into a panic?” The good news is, that eventually, somewhere out there is the not too distant future,  we will be able to say that. 

What do you think schools should do? Leave us a comment below or click this link to leave a voice comment. We will share your suggestions on future episodes.

In this episode you’ll hear:

  • How California funds its public schools
  • What the state budget has agreed on for education this year
  • We discuss things to consider when reopening and things that seem to be missing from the conversation

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