Would summer school be effective?

   We are quickly approaching the one year anniversary of being taken out of school and adapting to learning virtually due to Covid-19. The loss of in person learning over the past year has affected many students not only academically, but also emotionally. Many have lost the motivation to do their work. However, the main question persists: Would summer school be a positive impact academically for students learning during this time? 

The majority of schools are still not open and are learning virtually. There are some schools doing either two days a week or all 5 days. Majority of staff, teachers, and parents are urging for students to go back to in person learning. 

“Schools can safely reopen amid the pandemic if a host of safety measures are taken, including maintaining 6 feet of physical distancing inside school buildings where possible, mandating face masks, cleaning facilities and contract tracing.” says the CDC. (usatoday.com). 

Class failing has skyrocketed since the remote learning, which causes stress on students, parents, and even the teachers. 

President Joe Biden is urging for in person learning and within 48 hours of his presidency, he signed an executive order to start in person learning as soon as it’s deemed safe. (nytimes.com)  

“Everyone wants our schools to reopen. The question is how to make it safe, how to make it stick. Forcing education students back into a classroom and areas where the infection rate is going up or remaining very high is just plain dangerous,” Biden said standing alongside his wife Dr. Jill Biden (nbcnews.com). 

The estimated time for schools to be opened again is in late April. If schools actually reopen in late April should summer school be considered? Instead of only having barely two months of in person learning, then two to three months off for summer. Which is risking even more chances of exposure then getting to go back and school have to be pushed back again. 

  Our public school system is not built nor prepared for students to be taken out of school midway through the school year. Students have lacked the effective knowledge and learning opportunities over the last year, which has resulted in many students to fall behind and/or fail. The best way to make up for the loss of learning is in person summer school. Should summer school be required or optional this year? 

  Overall, everyone is being affected by the loss of the school year due to Covid-19. Summer school, or even pushing school back into late June/ early July would be the most beneficial way to make up for the loss of school time being in person.