Let the learning continue. Online. Via packets. Just let the students, the teachers, and the administrators continue up until the last day of the school year.
And why not?
- Everyone is getting paid anyway.
- The students are learning.
- Parents or guardians are assisting.
Public school districts across the country have had to scramble after governors shuttered schools once reality set in concerning COVID-19, a coronavirus that has taken more than 20,000 lives in the United States. Right now, West Virginia schools are closed until April 30, but with the current models indicating it likely will not be safe for the students to return in May. Gov. Jim Justice will have a choice to make.
Instead of surrender, put an end to the “snow day.”
That’s right, even when 12 inches of snow falls or when an ice storm coats those country roads, if the 55 schools districts in the Mountain State and the 600-plus systems in Ohio develop online learning well enough, superintendents would have the option to instruct teachers and students to utilize a virtual classroom instead of risking the tricky transportation.
If this experiment is successful, no longer would spring breaks be abbreviated, and the final day of class listed on the academic calendar would be THE final day.
And why not?
- Spring trips could take place when planned.
- The students wouldn’t have to begin in mid-August.
- The 180-day requirement would be met in 180 days.
Problems with the idea? Of course there are, and access to broadband is one of them, but maybe this opportunity might spur lawmakers and governors to work with educators and service personnel to develop such a system so our children’s education is not hampered by Mother Nature, a pandemic, or another unexpected twist that alters life as we know it.
