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Covid and School This Fall (2 Viewers)

We failed children ethically and in three important ways. First and foremost, that we have done such a terrible job containing this pandemic. Secondly, that we closed schools ... abruptly without any good plan about how to transition to distance learning and without adequate infrastructure for so many kids. And third, that the moment we closed schools, we didn't immediately start planning about how to reopen them.
link

 
The quote you posted is a little misleading.

The report is not yet published, but it notes:

"In grades K-3, children are still developing the skills to regulate their own behavior, emotions, and attention, and therefore struggle with distance learning. Schools should prioritize reopening for grades K-5 and for students with special needs who would be best served by in-person instruction."

The report also recommends schools and districts take the following precautions to protect staff and students:

  • Provide surgical masks for all teachers and staff. All students and staff should wear face masks. Younger children may have difficulty using face masks, but schools should encourage compliance.
  • Provide hand washing stations or hand sanitizer for all people who enter school buildings, minimize contact with shared surfaces, and increase regular surface cleaning.
  • Limit large gatherings of students, such as during assemblies, in the cafeteria, and overcrowding at school entrances, possibly by staggering arrival times.
  • Reorganize classrooms to enable physical distancing, such as by limiting class sizes or moving instruction to larger spaces. The report says cohorting, when a group of 10 students or less stay with the same staff as much as possible, is a promising strategy for physical distancing.
  • Prioritize cleaning, ventilation, and air filtration, while recognizing that these alone will not sufficiently lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
  • Create a culture of health and safety in every school, and enforce virus mitigation guidelines using positive approaches rather than by disciplining students.


The bolded is already a deal-killer for many families.

Staffing Challenges

Staffing is likely to be a major challenge if and when schools reopen. A significant portion of school staff are in COVID-19 high-risk age groups, or are hesitant to return to work because of the health risks. The report says some COVID-19 mitigation strategies, such as maintaining smaller class sizes, will require additional teaching staff. 

Deciding When to Reopen

When making the decision to reopen, education leaders should develop decision-making coalitions to allow for input from representatives of school staff, families, local health officials, and other community interests. These coalitions should decide educational priorities for reopening schools; be explicit about financial, staffing, and facility constraints; and establish an ongoing plan for communicating about school decisions and resources. In developing reopening plans, districts should also take existing educational disparities into account, such as school facilities, staffing, and overcrowding, as well as disparities among students and families. Schools should partner closely with public health officials to assess school facilities for minimum health standards and consult on school plans for COVID-19 mitigation.

 
My daughters college just announced they're going all remote.  The main reason they cited was testing delays. In June they were told they would receive test results in 2 days. Recently they were told it would be 5-7 days and to expect even further delays. This would mean every single person that showed (common) symptoms would need to be isolated for over a week, regardless of whether they had it or not. It would've been a fiasco. I expect all colleges to follow suit soon. I expect all K-12 to go remote too, but for different reasons.  :(

 
The quote you posted is a little misleading.
How can that quote be misleading? It is a crystal clear quote. Even if for some reason you were a terrified, never want to send my kids to school again person, I dont see how you could try and spin that quote as misleading. 

Especially when the first recommendation is

schools should consider that staying closed poses a serious risk to children, especially the most vulnerable children.
I dont think the opinion of that co author is particularly subtle. 

 
Other than this Swivl  technology, the rest sounds par for the course for any school with some form of in person attendance.   You're going to wear masks, social distance and sanitize.  How well this hybrid approach with half the kids at home following the in class instruction works is the big question since its never been done before.   
I think cameras in the classroom are pretty common at this point. Both schools I have worked at had document cameras in every classroom. The document cameras can also be adjusted to support recording the teacher, students, etc. It's not too difficult to "go live" so that kids at home can see the teacher, what they put on the board or their computer screen. The tough part is managing the lesson, the technology, the kids at home and the kids in class all at the same time. 

 
My daughters college just announced they're going all remote.  The main reason they cited was testing delays. In June they were told they would receive test results in 2 days. Recently they were told it would be 5-7 days and to expect even further delays. This would mean every single person that showed (common) symptoms would need to be isolated for over a week, regardless of whether they had it or not. It would've been a fiasco. I expect all colleges to follow suit soon. I expect all K-12 to go remote too, but for different reasons.  :(
Wonder if some colleges could receive results quicker depending on the state they're in. If not, I'd probably expect the same result in most colleges.

 
I think cameras in the classroom are pretty common at this point. Both schools I have worked at had document cameras in every classroom. The document cameras can also be adjusted to support recording the teacher, students, etc. It's not too difficult to "go live" so that kids at home can see the teacher, what they put on the board or their computer screen. The tough part is managing the lesson, the technology, the kids at home and the kids in class all at the same time. 
I know teachers unions in some places fought against live broadcasting. It has been a while so I don't remember exactly where I read it. But a quick google search found this discussing Los Angeles teachers opposing it. 

 
Some semblance of that model with modifications could be achieved in most every district. 
Not the technology component, which would be the key ingredient.  I know this is the land of FBG, but there are more economically struggling districts than people realize.  My district could pull it off easily if they so choose.  On the other hand, my brother-in-law teaches in a middle school where there technology consists of about a dozen computers for students to share.  

 
I know teachers unions in some places fought against live broadcasting. It has been a while so I don't remember exactly where I read it. But a quick google search found this discussing Los Angeles teachers opposing it. 
The way teacher unions work in big cities is really crazy. I work in decent sized city but we were just doing whatever the school administration directs us. I really don't want to do live classrooms online and in person at the same time, but if that is the plan, I will do my best. 

 
I think cameras in the classroom are pretty common at this point. Both schools I have worked at had document cameras in every classroom. The document cameras can also be adjusted to support recording the teacher, students, etc. It's not too difficult to "go live" so that kids at home can see the teacher, what they put on the board or their computer screen. The tough part is managing the lesson, the technology, the kids at home and the kids in class all at the same time. 
Maybe not a much so as you think.  We do not have document cameras...might be one in the building.  Kids/teachers all do have chromebooks at my school, and those have cameras, but not of very good quality.  My district is relatively well off compared to many other districts I know.  One of the biggest tech issues we encountered during remote learning was the significant lag experienced by the chromebooks.  

 
Not the technology component, which would be the key ingredient.  I know this is the land of FBG, but there are more economically struggling districts than people realize.  My district could pull it off easily if they so choose.  On the other hand, my brother-in-law teaches in a middle school where there technology consists of about a dozen computers for students to share.  
So sad.  I spent 12 years at a pretty working class, economically disadvantaged district and we had wonderful technology in every classroom. 

 
So sad.  I spent 12 years at a pretty working class, economically disadvantaged district and we had wonderful technology in every classroom. 
It is sad.  There is great disparity in Ohio with school funding.  There are a couple district spending $21+k per student while others check in around $8k.  Much of the funding comes from local sources.

 
It is sad.  There is great disparity in Ohio with school funding.  There are a couple district spending $21+k per student while others check in around $8k.  Much of the funding comes from local sources.
Michigan is the same in disparity. Our funding system sucks. However, even when I worked at that minimum funded school, we were able to get the community to support bonds/mileages to keep tech up to date.

 
Maybe not a much so as you think.  We do not have document cameras...might be one in the building.  Kids/teachers all do have chromebooks at my school, and those have cameras, but not of very good quality.  My district is relatively well off compared to many other districts I know.  One of the biggest tech issues we encountered during remote learning was the significant lag experienced by the chromebooks.  
I'd say my district sounds similar to yours - fairly well off for the most part (obviously some areas more so than others), but I would say the in class technology and the infrastructure, such as network/wifi capabilities are one of the biggest limiting factors that I could see in getting remote learning to work. I know I mentioned it upthread (or in one of the other threads) but they appear to be finding the funding to install plexiglass shields on desks and opted for that over upgrading the technological infrastructure - something that would help mitigate the problems with offering distance learning and, when eventually this dies down, the schools continue to reap the benefit of improved infrastructure.

* - I'll caveat all this by saying that I don't know that it is an either/or type of thing, but as of this writing upgrading the schools technological capability to allow for more robust networking/streaming, etc. is not happening - of course, this may change in the near future.

 
Much of the funding comes from local sources.
Are you sure?

I know nothing about Ohio so for all I know it is that way. I just know what you believe is a common misconception here. Here something like 1/3 of funding for districts comes from local. So sure that can still be significant, but it doesnt explain the massive differences that we sometimes see in per pupil spending.  A difference of 21k to 8k would be impossible to be caused by local money here.

Again. know absolutely nothing of Ohio, just asking the question. 

 
Not the technology component, which would be the key ingredient.  I know this is the land of FBG, but there are more economically struggling districts than people realize.  My district could pull it off easily if they so choose.  On the other hand, my brother-in-law teaches in a middle school where there technology consists of about a dozen computers for students to share.  
I realize that.  Schools in my area with disadvantaged kids received thousands of laptops when we went to virtual school in March.  Many internet service providers set families up for free or gave discounts.  It shouldn't all be on the school board to make it work. 

 
What possible explanation would be justifiable for the teacher's union to tie demands for police defunding to their refusal to go back to work?
What possible explanation is there for you to repeat the same question I already replied to earlier?  My assumption is you're not answering because you "heard" this story (presumably from something like reallyrealnews.com) and, satisfied that the headline aligned with your existing beliefs, didn't bother to look into it any further.  :shrug:  Am I close?

 
Are you sure?

I know nothing about Ohio so for all I know it is that way. I just know what you believe is a common misconception here. Here something like 1/3 of funding for districts comes from local. So sure that can still be significant, but it doesnt explain the massive differences that we sometimes see in per pupil spending.  A difference of 21k to 8k would be impossible to be caused by local money here.

Again. know absolutely nothing of Ohio, just asking the question. 
https://www.ohiobythenumbers.com/#school-funding

Certainly not the only factor, but local funding is significant.

 
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What possible explanation is there for you to repeat the same question I already replied to earlier?  My assumption is you're not answering because you "heard" this story (presumably from something like reallyrealnews.com) and, satisfied that the headline aligned with your existing beliefs, didn't bother to look into it any further.  :shrug:  Am I close?
Nope, I'll happily say that your assumption is 100% wrong.

Let me save you the worry about sourcing and provide a direct link to the Los Angeles Teachers Union's demands since they were kind enough to publish them online...

https://www.utla.net/sites/default/files/samestormdiffboats_final.pdf

If you'd like to save some time skimming a 17-page proposal, the part where they tie the Defunding of Police to their ability to go back to work and teach kids, is conveniently bolded on the top of page 11.

For you too @timschochet

 
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Nope, I'll happily say that your assumption is 100% wrong.
I'll happily continue to believe my assumption was right.  If you already had sourced a 17-page document explaining their concerns, why did you repeatedly act like you had no idea and ask us to make up an answer for you?

I'd loved to hear an explanation of what that has to do with fulfilling their contract.


Lol, what explanation would justify that demand by the teacher's union in your mind?


What possible explanation would be justifiable for the teacher's union to tie demands for police defunding to their refusal to go back to work?
:shrug:  

 
I'll happily continue to believe my assumption was right.  If you already had sourced a 17-page document explaining their concerns, why did you repeatedly act like you had no idea and ask us to make up an answer for you?

:shrug:  
WTF are you talking about? First you question if there was a source for the claim. I provide one and its not good enough. Then I provide the proposal direct from the Teacher's Union and now you're shifting to me needing to tell YOU why or why not the reason they gave for including police defunding in their demands for going to back to teach is justified or not. Read it for yourself. They don't provide a justification at all other than telling the government to take money from "them" and give it to "us". If a union holding gov't hostage and telling it where to take taxpayer money from to give to them is justifiable in your mind, then good luck living in that warped reality you've built for yourself.

 
Union demands

You have to download the actual report that is at the bottom and starting at page 10 you can see all of the ridiculous inclusions to their demands. You know, the ones listed in that horribly slanted article. 

It is important to note that this is the same exact union of teachers that fought against live teaching(on camera during pandemic) because they felt it would lead to being observed by school administrators. 

Almost like they are trying to protect the bad teachers and get defensive. 

 
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WTF are you talking about? First you question if there was a source for the claim. I provide one and its not good enough. Then I provide the proposal direct from the Teacher's Union and now you're shifting to me needing to tell YOU why or why not the reason they gave for including police defunding in their demands for going to back to teach is justified or not. Read it for yourself. They don't provide a justification at all other than telling the government to take money from "them" and give it to "us". If a union holding gov't hostage and telling it where to take taxpayer money from to give to them is justifiable in your mind, then good luck living in that warped reality you've built for yourself.
:lmao:   No wonder everyone has you on ignore. 

 
The Orange County thing is not quite that simple (source: I am in Orange County) - what happened was the Orange County Board of Education voted to endorse no restrictions, no masks, full return to school - quite frankly a lot of the meeting was a joke - 30 minutes for public comment and they decided to not read any of the public comments that they solicited. They received over 2500 written comments.

Within Orange County, our school district sent out several notices clearing up the confusion that any decision from the Orange County Board was non-binding, and that our Locally-elected school boards and superintendents will approve and implement plans specific to their districts based on the needs of their schools and communities.

In particular, our district remains committed to following guidance provided by the California Department of Public Health and the Orange County Health Care Agency. The Orange County Department of Education has also worked with local school districts leaders to develop “Orange County Together: A guide to safely reopening schools in the COVID-19 era,” which is based on guidance from the CDPH.

Article from local reporters on the Orange County Board vote
Unrelated, but OC:

https://youtu.be/3Q3PSISAZL8

 
Houston Independent School District going fully online for the first six weeks (and possibly longer) with a delayed start in September. 

 
A bunch of sensitive snowflakes who hate when I keep slam dunking on them have me on ignore. You should join them.
:lmao:   OK Shaq.  

As a general rule I don't put people on ignore.  I prefer to keep an open mind to other thoughtful perspectives, and it's useful to keep tabs on what the resident dolts think about issues, too.  

 
:lmao:   OK Shaq.  

As a general rule I don't put people on ignore.  I prefer to keep an open mind to other thoughtful perspectives, and it's useful to keep tabs on what the resident dolts think about issues, too.  
Great, then keep me off block and learn a few things. I wouldn't have posted about what the LA Teacher's Union was demanding if I didn't already know it was fact.

 
Democrats in Congress have proposed giving billions of dollars to our nation’s public schools to help them make the necessary conversions to allow for social distancing, screening of students, etc. Republicans are opposed so it’s not going anywhere. 

Why are Republicans opposed to this? 
sounds like a great discussion for the PSF cesspool.

 
Mr Anonymous said:
Nope, I'll happily say that your assumption is 100% wrong.

Let me save you the worry about sourcing and provide a direct link to the Los Angeles Teachers Union's demands since they were kind enough to publish them online...

https://www.utla.net/sites/default/files/samestormdiffboats_final.pdf

If you'd like to save some time skimming a 17-page proposal, the part where they tie the Defunding of Police to their ability to go back to work and teach kids, is conveniently bolded on the top of page 11.

For you too @timschochet
I think the confusion is that you said the teacher's union is "demanding the local police department be defunded before they return."  I see that listed as one of their bullet points in a broad sort of platform statement, but I don't see the part where they say the teachers will not return to work until the police are defunded or these other dozen or more federal, state and local agenda items are met.

 
I think the confusion is that you said the teacher's union is "demanding the local police department be defunded before they return."  I see that listed as one of their bullet points in a broad sort of platform statement, but I don't see the part where they say the teachers will not return to work until the police are defunded or these other dozen or more federal, state and local agenda items are met.
It was in the article he posted. 

The Los Angeles Teacher’s Union is one of the largest in the state, and the “United Teachers Los Angeles” say public schools should not reopen unless their demands are met.

Then the union themselves referred to their paper as a 

groundbreaking research paper that outlines necessary conditions for safely reopening schools,  

those items were in their paper as part of 

It is time to take a stand against Trump’s dangerous, anti-science agenda that puts the lives of our members, our students, and our families at risk,

there is no other way to take what they have said. There are plenty of other news stories saying the exact same things. 

 
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