7 minute read
Education’s New Look
BY KRISTY HUDDLE
When students do return to class, it will most likely be with masks required.
Photo Courtesy: Michael A. Anderson Photography
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Classrooms and cafeterias will remain empty for now, as students will be learning virtually for the time being.
Photo courtesy: Cabarrus County Schools
Photo courtesy: Cabarrus County Schools
August is typically the time when parents and children begin their back to school shopping. Families are hunting for the best deals on crayons, binders, glue sticks, and the perfect first day of school outfit. While those things are still happening, this year’s back to school list will look a little different.
In June, Governor Roy Cooper, along with the State Board of Education, released details on three possible plans to reopen schools in North Carolina. Each viable option included additional safety precautions to be put in place due to Covid-19.
Photo Courtesy: Michael A. Anderson Photography
These plans included the following:
Plan A:
• Improved cleaning of high traffic areas • Improved screening of staff and students • All students on campus • Minimal social distancing • Face covering on buses
Plan B:
• Improved cleaning of high traffic areas • Improved screening of staff and students • Schools operate at lower capacity by alternating days students are on campus, splitting time between face to face meetings, and virtual learning • Social distancing should be maintained • Districts can implement this option in a way that works for their staff and students
Plan C:
• Remote learning
In March, when school buildings closed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, administrators and teachers scrambled to implement a remote learning system. Many hurdles were faced, such as limited technology in the homes, children home alone or with little supervision, and lack of understanding in how to utilize the programs. The teachers and schools faced these challenges to the best of their ability. They were able to conduct educational experiences at home. However, it was evident, if at-home learning would take place in the next school year, changes would need to happen.
In fairness, the ability for some students to successfully learn from home was limited. Some homes did not have the supplies necessary to conduct learning at home. They lacked the needed computer equipment or even internet access. In many cases, parents were suddenly working from home as well, and helping to educate their students at the same time. Concerns and anxiety over the many changes happening due to COVID-19 kept families distracted. Teachers suddenly were using their kitchens as classrooms, while dining room tables became student and work desks.
Over the last several months, a lot has been discovered about COVID-19 and its effects on people. There is a keen awareness of the medical impacts. However, there are implications that go beyond the obvious. Mental health issues associated with COVID-19 have increasingly become a concern. Stress, anxiety, fear, and loneliness have increased as a result of altered daily routines, along with social distancing. These issues have not gone unnoticed in children as well.
As the start of school inches closer, how to safely reopen has been at the forefront of the minds of educators and parents across the state. It is essential to balance the safety of students, staff, and families with the fact that in-person learning is critical to a student’s academic growth.
On Tuesday, July 14, Gov. Cooper announced the decision for which plan North Carolina would be using to reopen schools across the state. The decision was based on COVID-19 testing and data at that time. Cooper stated,”Today, we announce that North Carolina schools will open for both in-person and remote learning with key safety precautions to protect the health of our students, teachers, staff and families. This is the Plan B that we asked schools to prepare.”
When the plans were initially released, school districts were asked to develop a plan of implementation for each of the options presented. Also, Gov. Cooper has asked each district to provide an opportunity for all remote learning for any family who chooses to go that route. It should also be noted that school systems may decide to go to Plan C if that is what works best for the district. However, they may not move to a less restrictive plan than Plan B.
The logistics with Plan B incorporate many things that must be considered. Schools must recognize the need for technology in the home. While laptops may be distributed, it is uncertain how students who lack internet service will be able to complete the assigned work. Scheduling students from the same family on the same day to attend classes on campus is a logistical nightmare as well. As of press time, free lunches distributed at the schools were scheduled to cease on August 17. It was expected this would be extended, however this was not confirmed.
How will work at home be monitored and enforced? How will students get the help they need to be successful? These are just a few of the many concerns that have to be considered. From a logistical standpoint, Option B is the most difficult to implement with many moving parts and things to be decided.
Cabarrus County Schools (CCS) took a proactive approach to planning for this event. According to the school board meeting held on Monday, July 13, CCS created committees to address the various aspects of reopening. Each committee had representation from teachers, schools and departments, as well as consultation with the Cabarrus Health Alliance.
As CCS has worked to design a district-wide version of Plan B factors, safety, consistency, transportation, and student engagement were of upmost concern. With Gov. Cooper’s decision to utilize Plan B, considerations such as the number of students and transportation issues dictate how Plan B would work in Cabarrus County.
CCS has chosen to split students into three tracks. Students will conduct remote learning four days a week with a face-to-face meeting on a selected day, according to their track. This plan helps to keep social distancing protocols in all areas within the schools. Students and staff will be required to wear a face-covering and will have temperature screenings each day they are on campus. As of press time, specific details were still being finalized as it pertains to transportation, school nutrition, and other details of the reopening. Look for updates to these details on our website, CabarrusMagazine.com
In addition, Cabarrus County announced in late June it would be offering a Virtual Academy for the 2020-21 school year. This program is part of the Program Choice option and is only available to a limited number of applicants. Students enrolled in the Virtual Academy will participate in blended coursework, mixing online courses with face-to-face synchronous sessions guided by certified K-12 teachers. It will provide more flexibility and personalized learning for students. The Virtual Academy was in the works to open the 2021-22 school year, but it became evident that there was a need for this option to be moved up.
School systems across the nation have to adjust and pivot according to information specific to their location and the mandates set forth by their states. There is no handbook for dealing with this pandemic and addressing the many areas of life it has affected. Parents have expressed many concerns. Some are not comfortable with sending their children back at all and would much rather have a fully remote plan in place. In contrast, others are not sure how to handle the more significant role they will need to play in their child’s education while working a full-time job. Administrators have to consider the safety of their staff and students in addition to how they can most effectively teach children during this unprecedented time. The solutions are not clear, nor are they easy.
Regardless, parents will need to stand up and take a more significant role in their child’s education than ever before. Teachers will need the support of the parents to be effective. The truth is, even these plans can change. If COVID-19 numbers begin to rise, adjustments could be made to the plan. Now is the time for teachers, parents and students to be a team. Working together, parents, students and educators can excel during this time, even if it looks much different than it ever has before.
