Week 1 Readings
#TempleSocEd
Both of these readings echoed many problematic aspects of reopening schools that I’ve read in the past couple of weeks. Though they touch on different aspects, it’s clear to see that the global pandemic and the spread of COVID-19 is highlighting longstanding inequalities in our education system.
Colleges and universities have been a symbol for inequality for many years. Being college educated or not has significant effects on peoples’ lives. The article “Colleges are Deeply Unequal Workplaces” highlighted how those inequalities remain within colleges themselves. Faculty, and academia in general, as we know it is mostly white and male while staff tends to be composed of lower income people as well as people of color. It is no surprise then to see who was prioritized in the beginning of the pandemic/lockdown. Students were definitely prioritized because they are what make the schools money but faculty were also awarded way more flexibility and rights compared to staff. Maintenance and custodial staff are needed now more than ever to ensure buildings are sanitized and equipped to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Similarly, staff in universities ensure that the faculty-student experience is intact and fully operational. Universities, however, have not been attentive to the needs of staff.
This school year will affect everyone in different ways. From college students to preschoolers, I don’t believe any of us will experience school to the fullest capacity like we are used to. Smaller children, especially those in poorer, underfunded school districts, will be hit the hardest in my opinion. The article “There are Other Options Besides Reopening Schools” details many alternatives to fully reopen schools. I think options such as basic income programs and compassionate-leave policies are ideal because they attempt to level the playing field for parents with stay at home, flexible jobs and those who are in less accommodating service jobs. These ideas however, don’t seem realistic due to the economic impact of COVID-19 as well as our current administration. Another option mentioned is micro-schooling, or space sharing partnerships in communities. I think this is a good plan but I’m concerned on how it would work for smaller children in bigger, densely packed cities. Would busses be prepared to take children to different buildings? Would parents be able to change their normal commute to take their children to buildings that aren’t the students’ normal schools? While these options seem doable, this article, in my opinion, doesn’t delve into how lower income, woking class people in big cities are experiencing this pandemic in different ways than middle class people in the suburbs.
