In anticipation for the return of COVID-19 virus in the fall, students and teachers safety as well as virtual or face-to-face learning are priorities for every educational institution. The Summer season is here and it appears that anxiety brought forth by the Pandemic is on the decline dispite social distancing guidelines and expert warnings. Furthermore, uncertainty continues to linger over preparations for reopening schools next school year.
Although, many public school systems are working through the logistics of what reopening will look like in the fall for 52.6 million students across the country, expenditures for public education in Georgia have been cut 11% initiating the dire possibilities for job cuts, furlough days, and missed school days for students. According to the Atlanta Journal Consititution, “Georgia schools have planned for a $1.5 billion drop in funding, a major loss in revenue for the state’s 180 local K-12 systems.” This whopping 1.5 billion dollar loss contributes to the uncertainty of decisions each school system in Georgia will make to their operational budgets. This uncertainty doesn’t only apply to Georgia’s Public Schools, drastic budget cuts in education are prevalent across the country. The widespread shutdown of the economy incurred an expense that will unfortunatly, be recompensed partially at the cost of education for millions of students and teachers.
While some school districts have decided to continue distance learning at the start of the school year, other districts are discussing hybrid learning opportunities such as alternative school days or weeks for various grade levels. Talks of how and in what fashion technology will play a pivital role in learning and instruction is an on-going dialogue. Additionally, real discussions about educational inequalities have been brought to light. Concern for students without technology or internet is also at the forefront. According to National Education Association NEA, “Nationwide, as many as 12 million students are affected—roughly 1 in 5. A disproportionate share of those students are African-American, Hispanic, live in rural areas, or come from low-income families.” Technology is a non-negotiatable item in the budgets of school systems hit hard by the cuts. Likewise, safety was and continues to remain a priority for school districts attempting to admit students back to campus in the fall. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be a non-negotiable item. NEA is also actively seeking $56 million from the COVID-19 stimulus package for PPE to provide for all educators and support personnel in direct contact with students.
At the present time we are faced with a Pandemic, an economic crisis, and systemic racism issues that are occurring simultameously. This summer season has spurred a time of deep reflection for learning institution’s educational practices; amongst the uncertainty of best possible outcomes for school systems deliberating on these issues with less funding.
Comments