Thread by @DearPandemic

(1/13)
Q: Should I be prepared to send my children #backtoschool in the fall? And what can I do to prepare if so?

A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. More in this thread

(2/13)
While we keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection, some emerging data from China suggest that transmission from children may represent a lower proportion than previously thought: economist.com/international/…
Though more testing and data is needed to confirm this

(3/13)
There could be many benefits to reopening schools. Among important considerations: Parents can be more productive and we can level the playing ground for families may have fewer resources to continue home instruction.

(4/13)
Schools can also serve as hubs for many services like #education on the pandemic, nutrition support, and supportive social services for families. Schools are central to the fabric of our societies and do not only serve our children, but our families too.

(5/13)
There are a number of factors to consider before this is possible. In the U.S. context, sending our children back to school relies upon:
1) State/local guidance based on phase of reopening;

(6/13)
2) Targeted reopening based on age groups (youngest children have priority as their learning depends on play, interaction, and resource intensive teaching);
3) A new vision of "normalcy" in education.

(7/13)
Some countries, like Denmark and Taiwan, provide lessons for how we may feasibly reopen: weforum.org/agenda/2020/05…
Key takeaways in the next post if you don't have time to read

(8/13)
The key must haves:
🧼 Increased sanitation and hygiene measures
👩‍👦‍👦Smaller class sizes which increase availability of child care services;
📓 Prioritization for vulnerable groups (children transitioning to new level of school and/or pending state/national testing);

(9/13)
💻Increased instructional hours through blended formats or extended school year;
✅ Alternative attendance policies without penalty towards families who opt not to send their children to in-class instruction;
🤝Limited gatherings and parent participation in school events;

(10/13)
📲 Blended learning wtih distance/online/remote instruction continuing for the next academic year and
💞Continued support for social and emotional learning and increased mental health support for children and families
Read more here: npr.org/2020/04/24/842…

(11/13)
We understand that this is a lot to digest. Staying informed can help us prepare for the adjustments we may need to make if we are ready to send our children back to school in the fall of 2020.

(12/13)
Parents can continue to support their child's social and emotional needs so that they are ready for what is to come too.
Here is a great list of learning resources for parents and educators: thejournal.com/Articles/2020/…

(13/13)
Finally, continue to model adaptability and flexibility. Our own behavior will best prepare our children to go back to school in the fall.

#COVID__19 #homeschooling #distancelearning #kidsathome #TED_ED