When, where, and how students will return to the classroom or some schooling environment is yet to be determined. DeKalb County schools have all stated their initial approach and many districts have different opinions on how to start the new fall school year.
The basic concepts include:
• In school learning (with a variety of day patterns)
• Some in school learning and some e-learning
• All remote e-learning (for a limited time)
• Parents electing to Homeschool students
School districts throughout the state differ on how to return to school, some following guidelines issued by the State Board of Education, others creating their own plans. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker wants the students back in school in some form (he also mandated an IHSA sports calendar without consulting school districts or the IHSA). Some schools want to push back opening day till late September or mid-October.
With both School Districts 427 and 428 issuing preliminary school schedules (and understanding the State Board of Education may request additional changes), it is now up to the various administrations, school boards, teachers, and parents to accept or reject the final decision.
DeKalb Interim Superintendent Griff Powell confirmed that even though the plan is to begin with some in-person learning for students (two, three, or more days a week), there are other options. Powell also stated the final decisions are still subject to change.
Media stories have both parents and teachers not happy with some of the plans at this time. Many parents and teachers are concerned about the health issues to everyone involved (families, students, and teachers). Some district teachers’ unions are requesting different options for teacher’s safety.
In Illinois, the Governor has said that if COVID-19 cases continue to rise the state may revert back to Stage 2 or 3 – more stay at home requirements and limited business opening and hours.
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