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OPINION: This was the wrong decision
Lyons Township plans for hybrid learning. Photo by lths.net
December 3, 2020
Here we go again. LT has announced that they’re going to return to the hybrid learning model for the final two weeks of the first semester. This decision is baffling. There is no reason why we should be going back to the hybrid model, especially for such a short time of two weeks. This decision reflects the failure of the LT administration to adequately handle this pandemic in the LT community. What will going back into the building change? It’s not that different from being remote—you sit behind your computer and take notes or do an activity as a teacher lectures. What will change, however, is the amount of LT students and staff that get sick because of this decision.
When we first transitioned from hybrid back to remote a few weeks ago, I was upset because I liked the hybrid system. The more I thought about it, however, I couldn’t come up with one solid reason to justify my feelings. The social aspect is basically nonexistent, with no lunch, halved classes and social distancing measures. In regards to education, it’s barely different than how we’re taught when we’re remote. When we’re in the building, we do the exact same things that we do when we’re remote, just with the added bonus of potential viral contagion. There’s not even a sense of normalcy, which is part of what the administration is going for. Social distancing and mask wearing render any sense of normalcy nonexistent.
I also personally believe that lockdowns don’t work and only exacerbate ongoing problems. That, however, is only because of the financial harm that comes with them. There is no harm when it comes to remote learning, especially versus the hybrid model. The LT administration is gambling, overextending themselves to try and solve a problem that doesn’t need solving. They better hope they’re lucky, or they might just go broke.
The timing of this, as well, makes no sense. We’re going back after Thanksgiving, a time when people are gathering in large groups, which also means more potential cases at LT. And for only two weeks? If it’s for that short an amount of time, why do it at all? I’m sure that there are teachers out there that feel obligated to return to the building, putting them between a rock and a hard place, and again, for what? So we can finish the semester in person? It’s a nice thought, but it’s symbolic; it doesn’t actually mean anything in real terms. That kind of thinking wilts when compared to the dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This decision will draw outrage from the LT community, and that outrage will be realized when very few people actually show up to the building. To the LT administration: you have failed. You have failed your job to keep LT students and faculty safe. This pandemic is only getting worse, and decisions like the one you have made are a part of the reason why.
Jennifer Mishos • Dec 7, 2020 at 10:21 am
John,
While I respect your right to an opinion, it must be acknowledged for just that. An individuals opinion.
Your statement was not backed up by any facts or statistics that support your feelings that this move to in person learning is wrong.
Here are some facts that should be considered:
*Schools have been proven to not be superspreader environments. (Local and national public health data demonstrate this)
*Medical experts on numerous occasions have noted that schools need to be open for in person learning (one example – Fauci has been quoted “Close the bars and keep the schools open!”)
*Compared to 2019, the CDC has reported a 31% increase in the amount of Emergency Room visits related to a mental health crisis for children in the high school aged cohort (MMWR, November 13th edition).
*A child, even younger than high school age, took his own life while in a zoom class next week, a horrific example of the extent of mental health implications that extended remote learning can have on adolescents. Would your opinion change if you knew that young boy? Or if one of your peers experienced a mental health crisis of that proportion?
* There was a national shortage of licensed mental health professionals BEFORE Covid. That means that young Americans who are developing depression and anxiety at an alarming rate will not have easy access to the medical help they will need. This is the health crisis brought on by the Covid crisis that is not being talked about nearly enough.
Perhaps, in your opinion, getting into a classroom is no different than being at home. But, you are not every student. To some, it is critical to their emotional well-being, their mental health, to get out of their bedroom and have some sense of normalcy.
Also, think of specific populations of students and their needs. I have a close relative with special needs. What he needs to learn and how his educational needs are met simply CANNOT be done via zoom. Perhaps for mainstream students, you do not see a difference, but think of your peers who are not as easy to adapt to a remote environment.
It may seem noble to try and defend the “safety” of your teachers. But, again, where have we seen data that demonstrates an increased risk to teacher who are teaching in person?
I can tell you, in District 106, we have had over a half a dozen staff members contract Covid since the school year began, What I can also tell you is that contact tracing proved that NONE of the staff member cases were contracted while they were at work. Not a single case. See, at the end of the day, your teachers are not living in bubble while they are outside of the classroom. They are living their lives and, therefore, taking risk (to varying degrees) themselves. They are venturing out into environments far less regulated that the schools but some are “afraid” to be in a building where people are masked, temps are checked and space parameters have been established?
Again, protecting the teachers may sound noble, but it is not a classroom full of masked students that they need protection from.
You may see the Administration’s move as a failure, but in actuality, its a first step in putting this district back on track to providing the exceptional educational experience that LT students deserve.
Wendy Carter • Dec 5, 2020 at 10:51 pm
Bravo to you, sir. You have expressed wisdom in your words. You are looking at the whole picture, which some refuse to do. You are being a realist because in-person school is NOT normal right now. Actually more time can be spent on learning when at home and remote, rather than dealing with the time-consuming precautions and sanitizing and reminders of in-seat learning. Thank you for writing your thoughts.
Sincerely,
A Former Teacher
Lauren Kullman • Dec 5, 2020 at 6:43 am
When will you be able to run for the school board? They need you!
Cynthia Adamson • Dec 4, 2020 at 9:03 am
Thank you very much for writing this. It’s a sad day when a student on the Lion puts out a public statement that more forcefully defends teacher safety than our own faculty association.
Kara Ferrell • Dec 3, 2020 at 9:58 pm
John,
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but it’s nice when there is some science and facts and data to support it. The director of the CDC recently announced that kids should be back to in-person learning and the schools should be open. It is a far bigger health crisis not to have kids in school, then to keep them 100% learning remote. School provides much more than an academic forum. I’m afraid what is happening is so many young kids, and especially vulnerable teens, have become so accustomed to this “Remote Learning” that they will never want to go back into classrooms. That is a major concern. In life you don’t get three chances to do your job correctly and getting out of bed and being on-time dressed and ready to function in a work place are critical skills.
Students at LTHS have had 8 days of in-person instruction since March. I can’t even imagine being a high school kid let alone it being my Jr. or my Sr. year. I think you all are very resilient, but I disagree that in-person school should not be the learning platform used right now. Research, science, and Global Health all dictate that in-person school is critical for the K-12 learner. Fear should not drive educators and publics decisions about their youth. Those that live in fear never become leaders and innovative thinkers like I know LT has a reputation for fostering. Don’t live in fear. Welcome back 4 more days of in-person school. It’s 50% more than you’ve gotten since March! Perhaps you may even be able to return more for the Spring. semester. Wouldn’t that be welcome and refreshing?!?
Kara Ferrell
Liz Cornell • Dec 3, 2020 at 5:31 pm
Dear John,
I am a parent in the LT community and I echo your thoughts. Thank you for being a voice that is strong and decisive. I want everyone back to school as soon as it’s reasonable, but, this seem premature given we don’t know the outcome of holiday travel and Christmas is approaching,
Well done and keep up the exceptional work.
Liz Cornell
Charlie Busker • Dec 3, 2020 at 3:29 pm
I very much agree with what has been said by John here. 10,959 COVID-19 cases and 192 COVID-19 deaths were reported in Illinois today according to WGN-TV. This raises the average COVID-19 death rate to higher than it was in the spring. Many places are taking precaution of the rising numbers, as restaurants were told to shut down once again. So the fact that even after all of the spikes in numbers, even after thanksgiving where there were prone to be larger group gatherings, after higher risks than there ever has been before we are deciding to go back? I honestly find this decision absolutely humiliating for our school.
I don’t know if anyone who’s apart of the faculty is aware, but this decision scares as the portion of the LT community. There are some students, including myself, who are not given the option to choose between hybrid or full remote because of their parents. I know it might not be quite as drastic, but being forced against our will to go back to a school with the potential of getting a deadly disease at a time where cases are higher than ever is absolutely terrifying. So please LT, listen to our voices.