3 things to know about Trump's plan for reopening schools
Trump says keeping kids out of school has adverse consequences
Trump stressed that the goal behind his reopening proposal is “to protect teachers and students” from the virus “while ensuring that families with high-risk factors can continue to participate from home.”
He cited guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which recommended that schools reopen because “[l]engthy time away from school and associated interruption of supportive services often results in a social isolation” and make it difficult for schools to identify and address “important learning deficits as well as child and adolescent physical and sexual abuse, substance abuse, depression, and suicidal ideation.”
Trump also quoted from the National Education Association, which stated that “despite the momentous efforts of educators during the pandemic, online learning has never been an effective replacement for in-person learning and support.”
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“Being on the campus, being at the school is very, very important,” Trump said. “One study estimates that, due to school closures last spring, the average student will begin the school year roughly 35% behind in reading compared to the typical year, and more than 50% behind in math.”
In addition to highlighting the impact of school closures on America’s students, the president spoke about the impact that keeping schools closed has on the economy. He referenced an estimate from the White House Council of Economic Advisers predicting that 5.6 million American parents will not be able to return to work if their children do not go back to school.
Presumptive 2020 Democrat presidential nominee Joe Biden has released his plan for safely reopening schools. His plan outlines steps the federal government must take before students return to in-person classes.
Those steps include getting the virus under control in the U.S., establishing national safety guidelines and passing a $30 billion congressional education package to give schools funding they need to safely reopen.
Guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control last week stressed the importance of in-person learning for children.
“When schools are closed to in-person instruction, disparities in educational outcomes could become wider, as some families may not have capacity to fully participate in distance learning (e.g., computer and internet access issues, lack of parent, guardian, or caregiver support because of work schedules) and may rely on school-based services that support their child’s academic success,” the guidance explains.
