Massachusetts is one of many states that have attempted to tackle the debate on how to approach the fall academic semester. With classes starting or soon starting, Massachusetts school districts have mandated the usage of masks.
What We Know:
- Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, Jeffrey C. Riley, said in a document two months ago that “Part of our responsibility as educators, administrators, and parents is to do all that we can to help our children in this difficult time.” He acknowledged the fact that online learning is essential during these times, but will unfortunately not be able to replace the experience and effectiveness of face to face instruction.
- Plans to reopen schools in the state were made earlier this summer and has not changed course. Back then, they had a much lower infection rate of COVID-19 among children. So to accommodate growing concerns, masks will be strictly enforced in schools.
That same document noted that “Students in grade 2 and above are required to wear a mask/face covering that covers their nose and mouth”.
- Sometime after plans were realized, Suffolk University/MassLive created a poll asking parents whether students should go back to school as normal. The results were relatively split on whether the current state of the country was ready. Roughly 50.8% of those surveyed felt they were not yet comfortable with sending their children back.
- Despite community feedback, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will move forward with continuing classes, offering various methods of instruction. Aside from requiring students and faculty to follow safety guidelines, such as mask usage and social distancing, districts have prepared three models for school to use: traditional face to face learning, a hybrid of online and in-person and completely remote learning.
- All Massachusetts school districts have been asked to submit their choices before the start dates of classes. The department has heavily encouraged a return to face to face learning, but it is ultimately up to what each individual district sees fit.
Moreover, other states have begun adopting a Hybrid approach for resuming academics. The Hybrid model would have student’s experience both face to face and online learning, often rotating every other week. This method has become popular as the rotation facilitates safety guidelines and crowd control while offering a compromise for those split in surveys.
