Teachers Unions vs. Raimondo on In-Classroom Start Date—Who Will Win?
Tuesday, August 04, 2020
The head of one of the state’s largest teachers’ unions in Rhode Island says that he believes a majority of members and parents want a delay in return to in-school learning in the fall, with uncertainties around the state being able to meet its self-set metrics for in-classroom learning.
“I think it is safe to say a majority of my members and parents as well would prefer an announcement as soon as possible that we are delaying the return of students to school, given the many uncertainties about health and safety, federal funding, cleaning, personal protective equipment, transportation, air quality, and other logistical issues,” said Bob Walsh, Executive Director of the National Education Association of Rhode Island (NEARI).
In Massachusetts, Governor Charlie Baker recently announced he was allowing districts ten additional school days before starting in-school learning for more preparations if necessary.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“As always, time seems to accelerate at an Autobahn rate in August, I feel like in the midst of a pandemic with the pressures of opening school we are moving at warp speed instead,” said Maribeth Calabro, President of the Providence Teachers Union.
“The focus should be on starting with a fully engaged planning phase, likely followed by full distance learning while continuing planning for a series of follow up phases that bring students safely back to school,” Walsh added.
Last week, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo at her weekly coronavirus press conference said the state is “listening to experts” as it thinks about reopening schools, unveiling benchmarks of what will help officials “determine whether it’s safe to fully reopen schools,” including whether there is statewide, municipal, testing, supply, and operational readiness (see metric chart below).
While Raimondo said that the state is ready to “change on a dime” if there are spikes in cases — union officials remain concerned.
Addressing Health of Students -- and Teachers
Dr. Michael Fine, former Rhode Island Director of Health, said on GoLocal LIVE that teachers over 50 face a “real health threat” from coronavirus in schools — and Calabro said she is worried about older teachers.
“While many students and teachers want to return to brink and mortar schools, some are physically/ medically incapable of doing so due to underlying health conditions, immune-compromised conditions, asthma, diabetes, or their age,” said Calabro. “The district has asked teachers if they are medically able to return to schools this year or if they have medical excuses to do Distance Learning. The details of how that process will be determined has not been shared with me at this point. “
Walsh similar questioned for the ability for schools and the state to accommodate teachers’ needs, as they are working to do for students.
“Last week the Commissioner announced if schools are open parents would have a choice on whether or not to send their children. The same courtesy should be extended to teachers and education support professionals if a hybrid model is adopted which would address Dr. Fine’s very legitimate concern,” said Walsh.
MORE BELOW CHART
“I think no matter what we think, we plan or what we prepare we will be making game-day decisions. That said, I believe we need to prepare to offer a variety of options to our students and families because they need to make decisions made in the best interest of their child or children’s needs,” said Calabro.
On Monday, Providence Public Schools unveiled its “Reopening Strong,” plan, which outlined four different scenarios for the upcoming school year.
“For the students and teachers returning to brick and mortar we must be ready to provided all the PPE and safety measures required to keep them safe. The schools must be clean, hygienic, and well-ventilated. We must be prepared for a variety of scenarios, in class, during passing, in inclement weather, for lunches etc. It is a monumental task and an unenviable one,” said Calabro. “That said, there is little room for error, and teachers, parents are students are all fearful and anxious about the ability to maintain the level required for safety with limited funds. We also know that some children will benefit from returning from school and will need the added supports of social/ emotional learning, socialization and in-person instruction. “
When asked if he thought that schools will be adequately prepared by August 31 to have students in classrooms,
“Given the multiple conditions precedent that need to be met, no, I do not think so,” said Walsh. “By announcing the parents would have a choice on whether or not to send their children to school we have already acknowledged that we will not have a full reopening of the schools no matter what date is chosen."
"If there still a belief that the August 31 date needs to be adhered to we should follow Massachusetts and have the first two weeks of meetings among the educators only followed by a 170 day school year which may well have to start with distance-learning only depending upon the conditions in mid-September," he added.
Raimondo is expected to make an announcement the week of August 17 as to how school districts are going to proceed with reopening.
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