Earlier this summer, Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley instructed school districts to prepare for three options: a full return to in-person schooling in the fall, …
Earlier this summer, Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley instructed school districts to prepare for three options: a full return to in-person schooling in the fall, a hybrid of in-person and online education, and fully online classes. Last week, we asked Boston.com readers which of these options they hoped to see in their area, and over 2,900 people from across Massachusetts wrote in with their opinions. The takeaway? Parents and teachers would prefer that their schools remain remote, please. Out of 2,908 responses,73 percent (2,132) were in favor of continued remote learning in their area,15 percent (438) supported a fully in-person return to school, and only 12 percent (338) supported a hybrid model, with several people sharing that they saw that as the worst of both worlds. Teachers are more hesitant to return to school than parents. Of the 1,234 respondents who self-identified as teachers or school staff,91 percent favored remote learning, while only 3 percent wanted to return fully in-person. Many cited the lack of research about the effects of COVID-19 on children, poor ventilation systems and upkeep in their schools, and fears about possibly infecting their family members as reasons to stay remote. “Opening schools in any way even with safety measures in place is reckless and irresponsible. These plans ‘work’ on paper, but do not take into account the human factor of kids who need to act like kids,” said Jennifer Vacca, an eighth grade teacher in Acton-Boxborough who supported fully remote learning. “Schools will not be places that foster learning and community building, but institutions that must stress safety protocols constantly. The consequences of breaking protocols is illness and death. The social and emotional scarring that could result will be detrimental to young people’s development.” “My sons and I go to 3 different districts. We will be exposed to 153 people every 2 days. Right now, we are exposed to 3 at most unless we are at the grocery store,” said Michelle Harris, a teacher/staff member in Pembroke who also supported fully remote learning. “We have worked so hard to stay safe just to be forced into an uncomfortable situation. [COVID-19] numbers are going up. There isn’t a vaccine or a cure. My children’s grandmother is high risk.” “In June, I would have argued for all in person or a hybrid model for the fall. But times have changed,” added Kimberly Serra, a teacher in Arlington who also supported fully remote learning. “My father had COVID-19. He is still alive, thankfully, but the effects are lasting. He is suffering from cognitive effects and cardiovascular effects, even months after having [it] (in April). We know that if students go back to school, people will catch the virus. While the death toll might be very low, the risk isn’t worth the reward… The spring was crisis management, not teaching. Choose remote now and teachers will have time to prepare better for what is to come.
