@Pdove72 Dr. Mike Robinson: How can schools practice social distancing when kids return?
Dr. Andrea Peoples-Marwah: When schools open in the Fall, there will be new practices in place for safeguarding against the novel coronavirus. While this will be a time for worry and uncertainty, it will also be a time to re-engage with our students and families. Wearing masks is a must during classes as well as on the playground and during lunch breaks. Washing hands before and after lunch should be mandatory as should each classroom have sanitizing dispensers and paper towels. Outdoors, there is air current to move germs along however indoors where there is a lack of moving air current there should be adequate distancing between pupils and adults. Lessons for the younger student is an essential practice and should be revisited for older students. The more instructors model these behaviors, the better the outcome.
Dr. Mike Robinson: Is schooling with social distancing even possible?
Dr. Andrea Peoples-Marwah: We hold our students to high standards and expect them to do their best, demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving, and exercise creativity. And we certainly extend compassion and flexibility with an equity lens knowing these are highly unusual circumstances. As a result, the idea of social distancing and what it looks like through the lens of current times places tremendous pressure on the family as well as on educators. While it is possible to have schools in session with practicing social distancing, it brings with it many challenges and reiteration of modeling what social distancing looks like to our younger pupils so that they can practice and be mindful of understanding what this physical feat looks like. Many communities around the country have been effective in flattening the curve so as to not overwhelm hospitals and as a result, many lives have been saved. Consequently, we have not had the infection rate to build what is widely known as “community immunity” therefore re-occurrences are likely into the next coming school year. Social distancing is possible but with difficulties. These are situations that need to be addressed prior to the start of the school year.
Dr. Mike Robinson: To what extent do you believe staggered start times; alternate weeks of attendance; and remote learning until further notice be an effective social distancing strategy?
Dr. Andrea Peoples-Marwah: The successes of remote learning inspires families to invest in schools to anticipate an uncertain future. While schools’ remote learning programs are evolving and being refined thus improving, families and educators yearn for human interaction. This is what is missed when students and families are not on campus and what they hope educators are conscious about in trying to sustain their remote learning programs. The very essence of remote learning instills the importance of socials distancing – why remote learning is happening – the simple things in life such as being able to gather for exploration and learning has been temporarily modified and for how long, we just don’t know. Staggering start times and alternating attendance by grades or other categories may be effective but for many of our youth, it is difficult because they see this time as a means to socialize with their peers and hold purposeful interaction with their teachers. While the implementation of social distancing will most likely offer a new way of living and co-existing, the practice of such will impact students in the long-term. For some, the joy of interaction is essential for furthering their growth and development inclusive of building upon healthy interpersonal skills among their peers. Clearly this is not a long-term solution but a necessity for our times. A lack of would only present room for possible depression and a void of enjoyment in their education and in their lives.
Dr. Mike Robinson: What are your thoughts about teachers wearing masks and other PPE in the classroom?
Dr. Andrea Peoples-Marwah: This presents several issues that are worthy of attention. First, while wearing masks offer some means of protection, they aren’t fool-proof but for many, offer a sense of security. For younger pupils, seeing adults and their peers wearing masks may offset feelings of anxiety as the masks cover the lower half of the face. Additionally, for those people who suffer from existing health issues (asthma, restrictive breathing etc.), wearing masks hinder the free flow of oxygen which may, in turn, lessen the ability to function and practice at one’s best. However, in an ideal setting (that in retrospect, we took for granted), having the ability to hold space for healthy instruction, learning and interaction is something that we can only wish for until these unprecedented times have passed.
Dr. Mike Robinson: This question comes from a parent. "When schools are open, what signs would be visible that would suggest social distancing is working?”
Dr. Andrea Peoples-Marwah: Flattening the curve of illness thus having healthy children, healthy instructors, close to full attendance, and absences not due to COVID-19 and reports from trusted media outlets will soon inform that social distancing is effective. It is evident Covid-19 informs our lives, however, we are learning to live in tandem with what is an unknown and will continue to be productive people with a new-found respect for what was only several months ago, taken for granted. Teaching our pupils will continue as their successes will continue.
Bio
Dr. Andrea Peoples-Marwah is well known in education and research. Trained as a Biologist, she has 28 years of teaching experience in the sciences incorporating her research within Multiple Intelligences. Andrea has made numerous contributions to education organizations throughout the United States, abroad and within her community. She holds a Doctorate in education, administration, and policy studies from The George Washington University, Graduate School of Education and Human Development in Washington DC. She currently resides in the greater Los Angeles area with her husband and daughter.
Dr. Andrea Peoples-Marwah: When schools open in the Fall, there will be new practices in place for safeguarding against the novel coronavirus. While this will be a time for worry and uncertainty, it will also be a time to re-engage with our students and families. Wearing masks is a must during classes as well as on the playground and during lunch breaks. Washing hands before and after lunch should be mandatory as should each classroom have sanitizing dispensers and paper towels. Outdoors, there is air current to move germs along however indoors where there is a lack of moving air current there should be adequate distancing between pupils and adults. Lessons for the younger student is an essential practice and should be revisited for older students. The more instructors model these behaviors, the better the outcome.
Dr. Mike Robinson: Is schooling with social distancing even possible?
Dr. Andrea Peoples-Marwah: We hold our students to high standards and expect them to do their best, demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving, and exercise creativity. And we certainly extend compassion and flexibility with an equity lens knowing these are highly unusual circumstances. As a result, the idea of social distancing and what it looks like through the lens of current times places tremendous pressure on the family as well as on educators. While it is possible to have schools in session with practicing social distancing, it brings with it many challenges and reiteration of modeling what social distancing looks like to our younger pupils so that they can practice and be mindful of understanding what this physical feat looks like. Many communities around the country have been effective in flattening the curve so as to not overwhelm hospitals and as a result, many lives have been saved. Consequently, we have not had the infection rate to build what is widely known as “community immunity” therefore re-occurrences are likely into the next coming school year. Social distancing is possible but with difficulties. These are situations that need to be addressed prior to the start of the school year.
Dr. Mike Robinson: To what extent do you believe staggered start times; alternate weeks of attendance; and remote learning until further notice be an effective social distancing strategy?
Dr. Andrea Peoples-Marwah: The successes of remote learning inspires families to invest in schools to anticipate an uncertain future. While schools’ remote learning programs are evolving and being refined thus improving, families and educators yearn for human interaction. This is what is missed when students and families are not on campus and what they hope educators are conscious about in trying to sustain their remote learning programs. The very essence of remote learning instills the importance of socials distancing – why remote learning is happening – the simple things in life such as being able to gather for exploration and learning has been temporarily modified and for how long, we just don’t know. Staggering start times and alternating attendance by grades or other categories may be effective but for many of our youth, it is difficult because they see this time as a means to socialize with their peers and hold purposeful interaction with their teachers. While the implementation of social distancing will most likely offer a new way of living and co-existing, the practice of such will impact students in the long-term. For some, the joy of interaction is essential for furthering their growth and development inclusive of building upon healthy interpersonal skills among their peers. Clearly this is not a long-term solution but a necessity for our times. A lack of would only present room for possible depression and a void of enjoyment in their education and in their lives.
Dr. Mike Robinson: What are your thoughts about teachers wearing masks and other PPE in the classroom?
Dr. Andrea Peoples-Marwah: This presents several issues that are worthy of attention. First, while wearing masks offer some means of protection, they aren’t fool-proof but for many, offer a sense of security. For younger pupils, seeing adults and their peers wearing masks may offset feelings of anxiety as the masks cover the lower half of the face. Additionally, for those people who suffer from existing health issues (asthma, restrictive breathing etc.), wearing masks hinder the free flow of oxygen which may, in turn, lessen the ability to function and practice at one’s best. However, in an ideal setting (that in retrospect, we took for granted), having the ability to hold space for healthy instruction, learning and interaction is something that we can only wish for until these unprecedented times have passed.
Dr. Mike Robinson: This question comes from a parent. "When schools are open, what signs would be visible that would suggest social distancing is working?”
Dr. Andrea Peoples-Marwah: Flattening the curve of illness thus having healthy children, healthy instructors, close to full attendance, and absences not due to COVID-19 and reports from trusted media outlets will soon inform that social distancing is effective. It is evident Covid-19 informs our lives, however, we are learning to live in tandem with what is an unknown and will continue to be productive people with a new-found respect for what was only several months ago, taken for granted. Teaching our pupils will continue as their successes will continue.
Bio
Dr. Andrea Peoples-Marwah is well known in education and research. Trained as a Biologist, she has 28 years of teaching experience in the sciences incorporating her research within Multiple Intelligences. Andrea has made numerous contributions to education organizations throughout the United States, abroad and within her community. She holds a Doctorate in education, administration, and policy studies from The George Washington University, Graduate School of Education and Human Development in Washington DC. She currently resides in the greater Los Angeles area with her husband and daughter.