D308 Is 'Cutting Corners' On Making Hybrid Learning Safe: OEA

OSWEGO, IL — Oswego Education Association Co-President Elizabeth Palatine raised concerns during the Jan. 25 meeting about the school district's Phase 2 of the hybrid learning plan amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The Oswego School District revealed its plans for the second phase of hybrid learning, which is set to begin Feb. 16. The Board of Education had approved the plan during its Jan. 11 meeting. Some changes in this phase include students spending longer hours in class with elementary students no longer being divided into A/B groups.

"There is a strong desire for our world, and specifically our schools, to return to something close to normal. Desperately wanting that day to get here soon is expected," Palatine said. "What we do while we all wait for that day to actually arrive is the subject of intense debate."

She said that during remote learning, teachers were focused on doing what was "needed for our students."

"That effort and dedication is what has made our schools thrive," she said. "As students return to the classroom, teachers maintain the same focus, but are now being asked to teach in two different ways and two different formats. The Phase 2 school day as presented to the teachers does not incorporate the time necessary to execute this task."

Palatine said that teachers need the time to collaborate, modify individual learning plans, create in-person and remote lessons, as well as maintain the day-to-day expectations of the classroom. According to her, these "essential tasks" are required for students to receive the "high quality education they deserve, and in order to provide this, teachers need the time, opportunity, and resources."

The plan states that classes will not be divided into A/B groups for elementary school students and all in-person students will attend together. Social distancing will be practiced as much as possible and "six feet may not always be possible.” Palatine said this raises concerns about the safety of students and staff.

"Many, but not all elementary classrooms are projected to have enrollments, if A and B sections are combined, near what we see in a world without a raging pandemic," she said. "In addition, some will have students that will push into classrooms, along with teaching assistants to help throughout the day."

She said social distancing will be severely limited in many classrooms with the proximity between students and staff.

"Maintaining standards to the safest guidelines put forth by the CDC and IDPH should be paramount, including implementing actions to slow the spread of the virus inside the school and recognizing that COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact for a prolonged period," Palatine said.

She asked the board to focus on these when planning for Phase 2 "especially with the possibility of a more contagious strain becoming dominant in the United States."

"Now is not the time to cut corners on implementing the safest plan possible," Palatine said.

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