Under assertions of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS), the reopening of all public institutions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic is more than likely. Earlier via a live Zoom meeting, MDCPS officials had announced the details of reopening plans for the 2020-2021 school year.
Miami-Dade Public Schools superintendent Alberto Carvalho elaborated with a statement saying, “Our plan includes the ability to quickly pivot to an online or distance learning model should conditions worsen significantly.”
During the presentation, viewers were introduced to three instructional options to go about the school year: a hybrid model, a regular in-school model, and an online curriculum learning model.
Hybrid Model 1
Model 1 is the one out of the two models proposed to alternate between in-school and online learning. MDCPS clarified that the cycle of instruction works in itself, completing every 2 weeks, to which each group attends 5 days of brick and mortar and 5 days of online learning every 10 days.
Not everyone sided in this scope of the sector, however.
“The schools should not be focused on reopening when they aren’t even having meetings in person,” a parent commented during the Zoom conference. “ Why should our children be open to meeting with others when you aren’t.”
While the number of students on campus will be minimized — rationalizing social-distancing guidelines in a normally populated setting — the model does not ensure the availability of teachers on eLearning days, sieving out academically fragile students.
Hybrid Model 2
Model 2 is the subsequent proposal filed to the public that is similar to the previous model but contains minor variations. This nomination was advanced by principals who preferred that students complete their full even-odd block schedule before transitioning into eLearning — and so, classes would prioritize a trend of staying 2 days on campus before switching to online learning for another 2 days.
“If schools do not open I fear that children may not be learning as well,” said Stephanie Rogers, a commentator of MDCPS reopening. “ I believe that students will suffer from this.”
Although class sizes will likely reduce, similar to Hybrid Model 1, there will not be any days of the week where the school staff can conduct deep cleaning and sanitation without students residing inside of the campus.
Model 3 – “My School Online”
Model 3 is the most distinct proposition out of all the models that the MDCPS officials had presented to parents and viewers. Namely, eLearning will be a given throughout the entire year where students are expected to attend during normal school hours and adhere to regular schedules — all the while receiving institutional instruction and guidance virtually.
“The district needs to keep in mind that reopening schools in August is ridiculous when the numbers are going up at this time,” an MDCPS teacher commented. “Furthermore, the pay is disgusting; the only ones being rewarded are being year teachers.”
Strategically confronting social distancing and safety regulations, students will be safe from potential classroom exposure to COVID-19. This, however, will render low-income families in a tight spot — especially in households that do not possess mobile devices or internet connection.
At the start of a fresh, educational year, students will be mandated to wear masks and teachers will receive personal protective equipment. As of now, the district and school leaders are working to develop conventional protocols that can ensure a safe campus environment, according to Carvalho.
In a survey published by MDCPS, parents were statistically shown to favor a Hybrid model across all grade levels. Until then, parents are urged to choose a model that they think would work best in terms of flexibility by the extended date July 15, essentially determining the likelihood of reopening.
“Leading with the priority of our schools being the safety of our children, the staff, and the members of our community that supports us,” said Alberto Carvalho.
