Trump and DeVos want schools ‘fully’ open, but not many are listening

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/tr...?ocid=msedgdhp

President Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos spent much of this week pressuring and cajoling schools to reopen. DeVos, in particular, made clear she means five days a week. But school systems across the country have already decided on models where students learn from home part of the time.

Some districts are considering full-time, in-person school for children who need special attention, he said, but none are planning it for everyone.

Many rural districts, though, are planning to have kids in school full-time, she said.

The administration has been backed up by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which recommends that all schools try to open fully, citing the academic and social-emotional damage done when children miss school. But on Friday, the AAP, in a joint statement with teachers unions and superintendents, said that schools in areas with high levels of covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, should not be compelled to reopen against the advice of local experts. “A one-size-fits-all approach is not appropriate for return to school decisions,” they said.

One size doesn’t fit all. It has been reported that 75% of parents want their children back in school. It has not been reported what percentage of families need their children back in school to allow them to return to work; to find / afford day care centers or family to attend to the children when they do; how many children would be deprived of devices or Internet availability to home school?

Schools must open at some time – and soon. How to do so safely is a monumental task. I am so appreciative to not have school age children at home - or grandchildren attending school.

While the mantra has always been, “It’s for the kids,” parents are being conflicted by the politics played by the Democrats and Republicans. Scary stuff.