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As Schools Look for Guidance, Educators Are Left Asking, ‘What?’ As Schools Look for Guidance, Educators Are Left Asking, ‘What?’
(about 16 hours later)
WASHINGTON — With their doors closed, their reopening dates in flux and their promised “distance learning” offerings in doubt, the nation’s school administrators are pleading with the federal government for guidance to respond to the worsening coronavirus outbreak.WASHINGTON — With their doors closed, their reopening dates in flux and their promised “distance learning” offerings in doubt, the nation’s school administrators are pleading with the federal government for guidance to respond to the worsening coronavirus outbreak.
More than half the states have shut down all their schools for two to six weeks, and some state leaders have begun to predict that their schools will remain closed for the remainder of the year. But so far, instructions from the federal government have been contradictory and inconclusive. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first recommended hygiene. Then it advised against gatherings of more than 50 people, hours before President Trump lowered that to 10 for the next two weeks, with a vague call for home schooling where possible.More than half the states have shut down all their schools for two to six weeks, and some state leaders have begun to predict that their schools will remain closed for the remainder of the year. But so far, instructions from the federal government have been contradictory and inconclusive. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first recommended hygiene. Then it advised against gatherings of more than 50 people, hours before President Trump lowered that to 10 for the next two weeks, with a vague call for home schooling where possible.
“If you can’t have groups of more than 10 congregated, how the hell are you going to keep schools open with hundreds, if not thousands, of people?” asked Dan Domenech, executive director of the AASA, the School Superintendents Association.“If you can’t have groups of more than 10 congregated, how the hell are you going to keep schools open with hundreds, if not thousands, of people?” asked Dan Domenech, executive director of the AASA, the School Superintendents Association.
Anxiety boiled over on Tuesday after C.D.C. officials abruptly canceled a conference call with more than 2,000 superintendents from across the country who were awaiting clarity.Anxiety boiled over on Tuesday after C.D.C. officials abruptly canceled a conference call with more than 2,000 superintendents from across the country who were awaiting clarity.
By Wednesday, 91,000 U.S. public and private schools had closed or were scheduled to close, affecting at least 41.7 million school students, according to Education Week. The nation’s largest teachers’ unions have thrown their support behind nationwide shutdowns.By Wednesday, 91,000 U.S. public and private schools had closed or were scheduled to close, affecting at least 41.7 million school students, according to Education Week. The nation’s largest teachers’ unions have thrown their support behind nationwide shutdowns.
Districts that have closed for several weeks are already looking at extensions. Ohio’s Republican governor, Mike DeWine, who led the parade of state leaders who shut down their systems, said he would not be surprised if his schools did not reopen this year. Maryland’s state superintendent also signaled that its two-week closure was likely to be extended. And Gov. Laura Kelly of Kansas, a Democrat, was the first to make the call, announcing on Tuesday that the state’s elementary and secondary schools would be closed for the remainder of the school year.Districts that have closed for several weeks are already looking at extensions. Ohio’s Republican governor, Mike DeWine, who led the parade of state leaders who shut down their systems, said he would not be surprised if his schools did not reopen this year. Maryland’s state superintendent also signaled that its two-week closure was likely to be extended. And Gov. Laura Kelly of Kansas, a Democrat, was the first to make the call, announcing on Tuesday that the state’s elementary and secondary schools would be closed for the remainder of the school year.
Such decisions are being made without the guidance of the federal government. Superintendents are deploying across their districts to check on distribution sites where low-income students and their families can pick up free meals that would have been served in their schools. Others are organizing makeshift internet cafes in school buses so students can gain access to digital learning.Such decisions are being made without the guidance of the federal government. Superintendents are deploying across their districts to check on distribution sites where low-income students and their families can pick up free meals that would have been served in their schools. Others are organizing makeshift internet cafes in school buses so students can gain access to digital learning.
But in the long term, administrators do not know what to expect. Superintendents are wondering if their schools will be turned into hospitals, maybe even homeless shelters. And as they contemplate transitioning to online classes — which the vast majority of schools are not equipped to do — they are worried about lawsuits or the loss of federal funding if they cannot provide the same level of education to all students, as required by law.But in the long term, administrators do not know what to expect. Superintendents are wondering if their schools will be turned into hospitals, maybe even homeless shelters. And as they contemplate transitioning to online classes — which the vast majority of schools are not equipped to do — they are worried about lawsuits or the loss of federal funding if they cannot provide the same level of education to all students, as required by law.
At least one school system, Northshore School District in Washington, announced that it would “pause” its online learning, while officials “continue to address challenges related to state and federal expectations that could result in a loss of critical funding.”At least one school system, Northshore School District in Washington, announced that it would “pause” its online learning, while officials “continue to address challenges related to state and federal expectations that could result in a loss of critical funding.”
Of particular concern for districts is guidance from the Education Department informing districts that they do not have to provide special education services to students if they are not educating the general population. Advocates contend the department’s guidance is causing unnecessary tension in communities.Of particular concern for districts is guidance from the Education Department informing districts that they do not have to provide special education services to students if they are not educating the general population. Advocates contend the department’s guidance is causing unnecessary tension in communities.
“We’re already seeing people blaming special education kids for schools not providing anything,” said Miriam Rollin, director of the Education Civil Rights Alliance at the National Center for Youth Law. “This would be a moment for an administration to step up, show leadership and gather all of the examples of how things could be done.”“We’re already seeing people blaming special education kids for schools not providing anything,” said Miriam Rollin, director of the Education Civil Rights Alliance at the National Center for Youth Law. “This would be a moment for an administration to step up, show leadership and gather all of the examples of how things could be done.”
Special education students are also top of mind for state superintendents, according to the organization representing the school leaders. The superintendents say they expect special education guidance to be clarified by federal officials. State leaders are also eagerly awaiting expedited waivers from mandated standardized testing, but they are just as focused on issues like how to issue diplomas to graduating seniors.Special education students are also top of mind for state superintendents, according to the organization representing the school leaders. The superintendents say they expect special education guidance to be clarified by federal officials. State leaders are also eagerly awaiting expedited waivers from mandated standardized testing, but they are just as focused on issues like how to issue diplomas to graduating seniors.
Carissa Moffat Miller, the executive director of the Council of Chief State School Officers, which represents state superintendents, said her members also want clearer federal guidance but urged “a little forgiveness” for the C.D.C. as information on the pandemic’s course changes hourly.Carissa Moffat Miller, the executive director of the Council of Chief State School Officers, which represents state superintendents, said her members also want clearer federal guidance but urged “a little forgiveness” for the C.D.C. as information on the pandemic’s course changes hourly.
“Looking forward, we know the cascading consequences of this crisis won’t go away when the spread of the virus eventually stops,” she said. “There will be equity implications, states and school systems will face huge costs, accountability systems will have to be changed and modified, and there will inevitably be questions that we haven’t even thought of yet.”“Looking forward, we know the cascading consequences of this crisis won’t go away when the spread of the virus eventually stops,” she said. “There will be equity implications, states and school systems will face huge costs, accountability systems will have to be changed and modified, and there will inevitably be questions that we haven’t even thought of yet.”
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
The C.D.C. did not respond to a request for comment.The C.D.C. did not respond to a request for comment.
In 2009, amid the H1N1 swine flu outbreak, the C.D.C. discouraged school closures. The former head of the agency, Dr. Tom Frieden, said in an opinion article on Monday that the coronavirus closures may have been premature.In 2009, amid the H1N1 swine flu outbreak, the C.D.C. discouraged school closures. The former head of the agency, Dr. Tom Frieden, said in an opinion article on Monday that the coronavirus closures may have been premature.
“We must consider the huge societal costs of closing schools against what may be little or no health benefit — particularly if kids continue to go out and are increasingly cared for by grandparents and others who are vulnerable,” he wrote.“We must consider the huge societal costs of closing schools against what may be little or no health benefit — particularly if kids continue to go out and are increasingly cared for by grandparents and others who are vulnerable,” he wrote.
On Friday, the C.D.C. advised vaguely that “there is a role for school closure in response to school-based cases of Covid-19 for decontamination and contact tracing,” but that many of the two- to six-week closures that had already been announced by hundreds of school districts would not curb the virus. The agency said that eight- to 20-week closures might help curb transmission, but possibly only as much as hand washing. That was after its initial guidance told schools that they should consider closing for two to five days if they had a confirmed case.On Friday, the C.D.C. advised vaguely that “there is a role for school closure in response to school-based cases of Covid-19 for decontamination and contact tracing,” but that many of the two- to six-week closures that had already been announced by hundreds of school districts would not curb the virus. The agency said that eight- to 20-week closures might help curb transmission, but possibly only as much as hand washing. That was after its initial guidance told schools that they should consider closing for two to five days if they had a confirmed case.
The agency’s most consistent message has been an emphasis on local decision-making.The agency’s most consistent message has been an emphasis on local decision-making.
“We understand the appropriate concern with acknowledging the importance of state and local leadership in decisions about school closure,” the AASA said in a statement. But, the association added, that “makes it even more critical that upon reviewing available federal information and recommendations, local leaders aren’t left asking, ‘What?’”“We understand the appropriate concern with acknowledging the importance of state and local leadership in decisions about school closure,” the AASA said in a statement. But, the association added, that “makes it even more critical that upon reviewing available federal information and recommendations, local leaders aren’t left asking, ‘What?’”