The CDC has finally unveiled its recommendations for reopening schools, providing more detailed guidelines than those from the previous administration. However, after reviewing these suggestions, I can’t help but question if anyone at the CDC has ever interacted with children or consulted with educators. Have they ever stepped foot in a school bathroom?
While I hold the CDC’s research in high regard and appreciate their efforts to safeguard our kids, teachers, and communities, the new guidelines seem at times unrealistic and disconnected from the realities of school life. Based on these recommendations, it appears many parents will opt to continue homeschooling.
Classroom Logistics
Take, for instance, the recommendation to maintain social distancing in classrooms. The idea is to have desks spaced six feet apart, all facing the same direction. Sounds straightforward, right? But in reality, most classrooms aren’t large enough to accommodate that setup for twenty-two desks. Logistically, it’s simply not feasible.
Health Risks and Ventilation
Next, the suggestion to keep windows open for better ventilation is well-intentioned, but can pose health risks for some students, such as those with asthma. The CDC’s phrasing suggests opening windows is safe—except when it’s not. It feels a bit circular, doesn’t it? Furthermore, not all classrooms even have windows, which complicates matters further.
Sharing Supplies
The guidelines also recommend minimizing the sharing of supplies and equipment by assigning materials to individual students or limiting their use to one group at a time. While this isn’t entirely impossible, it shows a lack of understanding of the chronic underfunding of schools, which often struggle to provide basic supplies, let alone cleaning materials during a pandemic. Finding disinfectant wipes has been a challenge for many of us.
Small Groups and Special Needs
Additionally, the recommendation to keep students in the same small group throughout the school day may work for elementary levels, but it fails to consider the needs of special education students and teenagers. My son requires speech therapy, and my daughter gets extra math help. How do we ensure these students receive the necessary support without drawing unwanted attention? In middle and high school, where students switch classes frequently, the entire educational model would need a significant overhaul.
Transportation Challenges
Other guidelines, like enforcing social distancing on school buses—one child per seat, every other row—raise further logistical concerns. Who is responsible for enforcing these rules among a bus full of kids? Has anyone discussed this with bus drivers? It seems like an impossible task.
Teacher Responsibilities
Teachers are also expected to manage disinfecting surfaces while monitoring students for symptoms and maintaining a structured learning environment. The assumption that they can teach effectively under these circumstances ignores the reality that they may also be at risk themselves. The suggestion that they can teach virtually raises more questions than it answers—how can a virtual teacher keep a classroom full of kids engaged?
The Essence of School
Moreover, these guidelines risk stripping away the core essence of school: the joy of social interaction, shared experiences, and community. Think about the missed opportunities for laughter, field trips, and simple moments of connection. Returning to school under these conditions might place an entirely new burden on students, teachers, and parents alike.
While homeschooling presents its own set of challenges, at least it doesn’t carry the weight of these new guidelines. Many parents may find themselves weighing the costs of continuing to homeschool against these new expectations. Is it fair to ask families to manage yet another set of difficulties?
I love my kids’ school and teachers. I long for the day when they can return to a full day of learning and joy. However, the safety of our children, teachers, and community must be the priority. If these guidelines are what we have to work with, I’m uncertain we are ready for a safe return to the classroom.
Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, the CDC’s guidelines for reopening schools appear disconnected from the realities of classroom life and may lead many families to choose homeschooling instead. Logistical challenges, health risks, and a loss of the essence of school contribute to this dilemma. It’s crucial for safety and practicality to be prioritized in any reopening plan.