Okay, DC people. Let’s talk re-opening of schools per some survey data. There seems to be a disconnect between city leaders and teachers...

The @DMEforDC surveyed students and parents/guardians. In responses, 25,000 students were represented, (about 26% of current public school students). 50% of families were interested in in-person schooling for next year, but 25% still undecided.

We don’t know whether survey respondents were representative of public school population BUT families in Wards 7/8 were LESS likely to opt for in-person, families of IEP students were also LESS likely, and families of young children were MORE likely to want in-person.

Families interested in in-person schooling wanted students to attend in-person every week, at least for a couple of days, as opposed to a one week on and off situation.

And now the constraints. 90% of schools have the physical space to accommodate half of in-person students at any one time (assuming only 80% of students attend in-person and they use non-classroom space).

There will be enough educators for in-person teaching IF no more than 80% of students attend in-person AND 80% of teachers are willing to teach in-person. No info from DME on what % of teachers are willing to return to in-person teaching.

Yet @WTUTeacher surveyed 200 DCPS teachers, and 54% said that they or someone they lived with were at higher risk of severe illness from Covid. Another 44% said that they were the primary caregiver of school-aged children (who would likely be at home much of the time).

79% of DCPS teachers said that schools will not be prepared to open and ensure safety by August 31st. (20% said that schools will be somewhat prepared, and only 1% said that schools will be fully prepared.)

Prior to in-person school, DCPS teachers want negative tests for staff, daily screenings for all, clear protocols for communication/quarantine, required quarantines for exposed staff (without using sick leave) and students, non-traditional hours, expanded cleanings, and more.

On @DigitalEquityDC, only 20% of DCPS teachers said that 75%+ of their students were regularly logging in, and only 22% said that 75%+ of their students had adequate access to technology for remote learning. Keep in mind that 50% of students could be attending remotely next year.

There’s no public info on public charter school teachers’ likelihood of returning or what they would need to feel safe to return. Are there any job protections for charter school teachers who don’t feel comfortable returning to in-person teaching?

Re-opening is very challenging anywhere. Re-opening in DC is extra hard, given the erosion of trust over time, particularly around issues of safety, transparency, and meaningful stakeholder engagement.

Ps. There will be a WTU briefing about this on Tuesday, 6/23 at 1pm. Link to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclf-msrjktGdeNYzpJe6KEFDjswEF_Tn3O