Education leaders hold online discussion as MA districts finish up plans

BOSTON — When the school bell rings on a new academic year, the halls will look a lot different.

“Creativity of the teachers pulling together with our school leaders and our partners to make that happen.” Dr. Brenda Cassellius, Superintendent, Boston Public Schools.

School districts across the Commonwealth are firming up plans as some of the top education leaders took part in an online discussion.

“The evidence says that people should open but we also, what we’re demanding is that you prepare for all three contingencies because we also don’t know what the trajectory of the virus is,” explained Jeffrey Riley, Commissioner, MA Department of Education.

Budgets and second spikes, accompanied with the social and emotional development of children, are all concerns taken into consideration in planning for a return to school. The DOE commissioner approved a 170-day school calendar, allowing educators the extra 10 days to prepare for this “new normal.”

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“All of our decisions when we think about how we get school up and running again are really based on the medical professionals, medical community, and what they’re telling us what to do,” said Riley.

Meanwhile, the superintendent of Boston Public Schools said they’re aware of the 170-day option and are working with teachers on this flexibility.

"We're going to be failing at some things as we try to fail forward in try new technologies in the classroom, try new technologies with students both online and in the hardware," said Dr. Cassellius.

Michael Maguire, who's a high school teacher at Boston Latin Academy in Dorchester and a Boston Public School parent, said he's adjusting to whatever school officials decide.

“As far as in-person instruction goes, I’m comfortable with it provided there can be enough resources with it such as hand-washing stations, either masks or just that the students feel comfortable and some crowd-control,” said Michael Maguire, BPS Parent, and teacher.

In the past, he's had upwards of 30 high school students in a class.

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For many parents, watching and waiting is putting on hold any other household scheduling.

"From my point of view the sooner they can come to whatever plan they're going to use and let us know, the easier the anxiety all around will be," said Maguire.

"Schools are an extension of home," said Dr. Ingrid Tucker, School Head, Cambridge Montessori School.

Families can expect to learn what school schedules will be within the next week or two.

RESOURCES:

- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

- Boston Coronavirus Information