Social, emotional and academic effects of online learning may outweigh virus risks

WEST PARK, Florida – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gathered data from schools that already do face-to-face learning, showing transmission of COVID is not significant in classrooms. The recently published report indicates that the type of rapid spread seen in senior residences and very dense work sites has not been present in the school setting.

CDC researchers published their opinion Tuesday in the Journal of American Medical Association.

Accumulating data was collected from international schools as well as schools in the United States.

However, they cautioned that there is evidence that learning online and at home affects children socially, emotionally, and academically.

“The reason we’ve pushed for schools is because having kids in person is better for kids,” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said.

Superintendents at Broward and Miami Dade have also been saying this for weeks.

“Our schools are not the sources of the spread of the pandemic,” said Broward County Superintendent of Schools Robert Runcie.

And Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said, “We know who’s losing ground. And there are children who have to go back to school. “

Both urged thousands of children, especially those who are academically behind, to return to in-person learning.

Lavonda Clark, who was picking up her nephew from school said, “When the kids are at home they don’t pay attention.

Reynaldo Hubbard was expecting his grandchildren. “They get a better grade when they’re in school,” he said.

But the CDC warns that the proper procedures should continue to be applied, including mask wear, physical distancing, better room ventilation and expanded testing.

Communities also need to control the virus to keep it out of the classroom.

Karla Hernandez-Mats, president of the Miami-Dade County Teachers Union, said that “schools are a reflection of the community.”

Teacher unions in both counties agree that in-person learning is the best option for students, but are concerned about the safety of schools and community behavior.

Unless our community is willing to do what it’s supposed to do, we’re going to continue to see the spread and that’s what makes us nervous, ”Hernandez-Mats said.

President Joe Biden has pledged to open more schools in the first 100 days of his administration, but warns it will cost the country dearly – $ 130 billion is needed for schools to open safely.