The Alternative to Traditional Learning
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Hint: Online learning can be effective, too!
First, let me just say I reside near Buffalo, New York. If you have been watching the news, you have likely heard about the new guidelines for schools in New York State to re-open in the Fall (if they desire to).
I have two school-aged children and my mind is racing with what their school days would look like.
Would they be stuck with masks on all day? If so, what happens if they start having a hard time breathing? If they take the mask off to take a breath, do they get reprimanded? Will they be able to socialize? Can they talk to their friends?
The ‘New Normal’ for New York State
As a Mom, I have been all over the news regarding COVID-19 so I am aware of what’s going on in the world (especially in New York). An email hit my inbox this week regarding the requirements for schools to re-open and what a school day could potentially look like.
My district has not yet stated any news regarding their decision, but here are the regulations as I have read them…
The specifics have been left to each school district, but there are general guidelines all of the 700 school districts in New York State must follow. Schools in Phase IV may begin to reopen if the daily infection rates are below 5% over a 14-day time period.
Each district is responsible for creating their own plan.
Teachers and students alike will be required to wear face coverings (masks of some sort). Teachers and students will also be required to socially distance.
As of right now, masks must also be worn on school buses to and from school.
Any additional space classrooms have will be utilized to distance desks and students from one another.
“If you have the virus under control, reopen. If you don’t have the virus under control, then you can’t reopen, right? We’re not going to use our children as a litmus test and we’re not going to put our children in a place where their health is in danger. It’s that simple,” Cuomo said.
School districts will have until July 31st to submit their reopening plans to the state. Parents and teachers will learn about their individual school’s/government decision in mid-August at the latest as per the current available press releases.
Online Education for K-12
I am not extremely new to homeschooling as my children have always had lessons at home (I am an Adjunct Professor of Biology Online so that helps), but I have been searching for good online education programs for my children.
I am now a full-time stay at home Mom (work from home 100% after many years of exhaustion), so this is a possibility for my family, but please know I completely understand if online schooling is not for you.
I simply want to share what I have learned here if you’re able to homeschool.
P.S.- There are some school districts across the country who will offer remote or in-school learning meaning you can choose.
If my school offers online learning as an option, I will take that option as I absolutely adore the school district. If not, I have been heavily considering enrolling my children into an online program.
If you have already enrolled your children into a program prior to COVID-19 or you are currently enrolling, I would love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below so all Moms can read what’s available and what is the best!
TIA, Mamas!
Until next time!
