Fully Open Option

A few schools have opted to return to a full time learning plan regardless of the dangers that may surround it. There is some controversy over whether or not the value of students learning is worth being placed above the overall safety of the students. However, some schools have decided that it is safe and worth it to return to a full time school scedule.

Pros

Vs

Cons

Pros and Cons to returning to school on a full time, fully open schedule

PROS

Some of the pros of returning to school in a fully open atmosphere are...

Giving students a sense of routine and normalcy in a time when there is so little of it
Ensuring the students are focused and learning by having them monitored as they normally would be
Guaranteeing a fair atmosphere for test taking by having students take tests in the classroom rather than at home.
Allowing students to have some safe socialization with their classmates that they may not get at home
Equal learning opportunities for all students, specifically lower income students who may have difficulties learning at home because of their financial situation
Schools begin the process of building herd immunity to the virus

CONS

Some of the cons of returning to school in a fully open atmosphere are...

In person school can become an epicenter for virus transmission
Even with safety guidelines in place, students are unlikely to abide to them 100% of the time
Students who are at higher risk to the virus because of preexisting conditions or live with a family member who is higher risk may feel out of place and scared returning to school full time
If cases surge and the school is forced to close, a transition to virtual learning can be difficult.
Many schools are not equipped to handle full capacities of students while still ensuring their safety through social distancing regulations