Introduction
There are so much uncertainties and many unanswered questions about the start of the new school year. Debates are actually raging about how students should continue their education. There are some school leaders who are making plans for students to physically return to their traditional brick and mortar schools full time with safety guidelines in place. Other decision makers are considering a hybrid or blended option so that students receive part of their education in school and the rest online at home. Conversely, some policy makers question whether children and young people should continue cyber learning experiences until it is safe to resume school as we once knew it.
Information to Consider
So many opinions are being openly shared about the best educational option for students these days. Social media and traditional media outlets have been filled with varied perspectives about the upcoming school year. This topic has been literally dominating the news.
Political leaders and community members openly discuss what they emphatically believe is the right solution for education and families within their targeted region of the United States.
Some medical experts have concluded that it is best for the overall social and academic development of students to return to brick and mortar schools. Others who disagree freely communicate their rationale.
Teachers throughout the country have been expressing concerns about all the health risks for all students and all school personnel associated with returning to the classrooms and school. Unions have amplified the concerns of their members.
Parents have shared mixed thoughts as well. Some have stated that their lives must resume, including returning to work outside of the home. For these parents who require assistance with child care, placing their children back in their physical school will resolve this critical necessity for them. Other parents remain cautious. They believe that the health and safety of their children and their entire family, including themselves, will be jeopardized if their children return to school.
Regardless of all the swirling opinions and the final decisions that will be made for schools, here is what is most important about the next step in the educational process for students. Parents have the right to choose what is in the best interest of their children and their family. Knowing that they have the ultimate right to decide what to do about their child’s education does not negate the reality of their feelings of confusion that a lot of parents must deal with.
The Solution is the Conclusion
While information about the acceleration or decline of the Coronavirus in some areas will enable school superintendents and board of school directors to determine what is best for their communities, there is something that parents must consider as they determine their next step.
The quote that follows creates a sense of personal reality and truth for any parents willing to embrace these words:
“Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your inner voice. And most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” -Steve Jobs
So, for the parents who are confused and perplexed about the decision that they need to make about their child’s education for the new school year, their answer lies within. All they need to do is to eliminate the external noise, pause, and listen to what their heart tells them to do. Their answer will be spoken to parents quietly and boldly at the same time.
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Dr. Deborah M. Vereen is a retired Teacher and School Administrator. Her website is www.Drdeborahmvereen.com and her YouTube shannel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS1DPhBeA29UlybU9jzDkdQ.
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This post was previously published on Medium.com.
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