THREAD: Encouraging our K-12 schools to re-open this Fall is the right thing to do. Not all students at once, or in the same way that schools operated before. But combining distance learning with at least some in-person instruction is an essential step in America's recovery (1/7)
Why? First, it's impossible for workers to get back to work and the economy to truly restart unless schools are open. Total school closures may be OK for those who have alternate childcare arrangements. But it's not for many Americans who can't work if kids aren't in school (2/7)
Second, the school shutdown creates big challenges for those who can't afford access to the technology or space needed for effective online learning. You're further stratifying the educational system in real ways. This is a problem in many parts of America (3/7)
Third, some of the early anecdotes we have from places like Denmark that have re-opened schools are positive. They re-opened schools on April 15 and did not see significant spread of the virus thereafter. Here's s a good look at the evidence so far (4/7) wired.com/story/the-case…
Fourth, it's not an all or nothing proposition. You can do things to mitigate (but not eliminate) risk, in the classroom and beyond. That includes ensuring that teachers or staff with health issues, or those with high-risk caretakers, stay off campus or minimize contacts (5/7)
Fifth, losing an additional semester (or more) of classroom time creates serious gaps in educational progress for many students. Simply put, the all-distance learning experience is no match for (even some) in-person instruction (6/ 7)
Finally, kids need and thrive on the social interactions they get in schools. No amount of Zoom time can make up for that. Read more @FREOPP about why we think reopening schools are the key to getting the economy back on track. (7/7) freopp.org/a-new-strategy…
