Schools Closing During the Coronavirus Pandemic: Everything You Need to Know
The coronavirus pandemic has deeply impacted the way that schools are conducting classes across the world. As of April 2021, there were still over half a billion children out of school due to the pandemic. This has been an unprecedented disruption for students and educators alike. This article will provide details on how the pandemic has affected schools, considerations for reopening, and what parents and students can do to adjust to this new reality.
Impact on Schools
The coronavirus pandemic has caused some schools to close, while others have adopted distance learning or hybrid models. The following are some of the major impacts of the pandemic on schools worldwide:
-Loss of in-person instruction: In many countries, face-to-face classroom instruction has been replaced with virtual or hybrid learning models. This means not only the replacement of in-person instruction, but also the loss of extracurricular activities, field trips, and other learning activities that can’t be conducted in a virtual environment.
-Reduction in educational quality: Distance learning and hybrid models can be difficult to implement and often result in a lower quality of instruction. Teachers are having to adapt to new technology, and students do not always have access to the same level of support that they would have during in-person instruction.
-Disparities in flexibility: For economic, technological, and other reasons, some schools were able to quickly transition to online or hybrid learning models, while others were not as fortunate. This has resulted in disparities between schools when it comes to flexibility, access to education, and quality of instruction.
-Changes in staffing: The pandemic has resulted in a shortage of educational staff in many schools due to furloughs, layoffs, or hiring freezes. This has placed a significant strain on school systems around the world.
Reopening Considerations
Deciding when and how to re-open schools is a complex and difficult decision. Government officials, public health experts, teachers’ unions, school administrations, and parents all have different considerations. Generally speaking, the following criteria should be taken into account when deciding if and when to re-open schools:
-Public health considerations: The safety of students, teachers, and staff should be the top priority when deciding if and when to re-open. This includes assessing the risk of transmission, of both the virus and additional illnesses, and creating a plan for social distancing environments or contact tracing if necessary.
-Economic considerations: Re-opening schools can help support the local economy in many ways. Parents may be able to return to work if there is an option for childcare or virtual schooling, and re-opening schools can also help to support small businesses in the community.
-Academic considerations: Re-opening can help to support a better quality of education for students by allowing them to return to in-person instruction, extracurricular activities, and other activities that may not be possible in a virtual setting.
-Social and emotional considerations: School can be a critical social environment for developing social and emotional skills. School closures can have a significant impact on the mental health of students and staff.
Adapting to a New Reality
The coronavirus pandemic has completely disrupted the traditional model of education. While the situation is constantly evolving, there are measures that parents and students can take to adjust to this new reality:
-Set expectations for technology usage: It is important to set limits on the amount of time that students spend in front of screens. Educators can provide guidance on how much time students should spend on devices each day, and parents can create parenting plans outlining expectations for technology usage.
-Look for other learning opportunities: In-person classes may not currently be an option, but there are still a variety of educational activities that students can engage in while school is not in session. Local organizations and businesses may offer tutoring or STEM activities, or students can explore online classes, reading materials, and other resources that can help to deepen their knowledge.
-Create positive learning environments: Distance learning does not have to be a negative experience. Parents can create positive and engaging learning spaces for their children by providing them with adequate resources and support.
The coronavirus pandemic has deeply impacted the way that schools are run across the world. While it’s unclear when or how schools will reopen, parents and students can take steps to adjust to this new reality and make sure that learners receive a high quality education even in the absence of in-person instruction.
