With the scheduled start of K-12 classes just over a month away, Pennsylvania’s 500 school districts are working on plans to educate their students in environments that are safe from contracting or spreading COVID-19, while attempting to maximize learning. However, schools face significant challenges.
Gov. Tom Wolf wants a return to education this fall after shutting down schools when the pandemic hit Pennsylvania last March. President Trump all but demanded last week that students return to school.
At this point, it appears schools can opt for all students returning to the classroom physically — with precautions and alterations to school buildings being made — a combination of in-person classes and virtual learning or all classes being taught on line.
Other issues will have to addressed as well like transportation, food service and sports.
Appearing on Tuesday’s Smart Talk to discuss how schools re-open are John Callahan, Chief Advocacy Officer with the Pennsylvania School Boards Association and Rich Askey, President of the Pennsylvania State Education Association. David Christopher, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, Cumberland Valley School District and Michael G. Leichliter, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, Penn Manor School District, join us, as well.
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