The struggle to reopen schools
Summer has just started, but parents and teachers alike are already consumed by this question: What will school look like in the fall?
The Minnesota Department of Education says districts should prepare for three scenarios, with a final decision coming in late July. But already, there are signs the pandemic has radically changed how the next school year may play out.
According to a USA Today poll, one in five teachers say they are unlikely to return to the classroom if schools reopen. A separate poll of parents found that six in 10 say they will pursue at-home educational options, rather than sending their kids back to school.
Distance learning under stay-at-home orders this past spring only widened the racial and economic gaps. Meanwhile, districts nationwide are facing budget cuts.
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The details are messy, the answers unclear. On Monday, MPR News host Kerri Miller spoke with a school administrator and a pediatrician about how they are approaching these decisions.
Guests:
Christine Tucci Osorio is the superintendent of ISD 622 (North St Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale schools).
Dr. Jenna Wheeler is a pediatric critical care physician with Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
To listen to the full conversation you can use the audio player above.
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