Why COVID-19 Proved Children Need Physical Schools, Not Virtual Education
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the shortcomings of virtual education have become apparent, especially in states where schools were already facing significant challenges. The community schools model, with its focus on meeting the academic and non-academic needs of children, emerged as a promising alternative to traditional education.
New Mexico’s education system had been struggling long before the pandemic due to policies like No Child Left Behind, which emphasized high-stakes standardized testing and resulted in teachers feeling unsupported. The community schools model, which prioritizes culturally relevant curricula and holistic student development, brought back the joy of teaching for educators like Mary Parr-Sanchez, the president of NEA-New Mexico.
Community schools, with about 5,000 existing nationwide, serve as community hubs, partnering with local organizations to address the diverse needs of families and students. The model gained traction during the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries, and even the American Federation of Teachers endorsed it as a potential strategy for school reopening.
The COVID-19 crisis exposed the vast inequality in society, with local schools becoming the safety net for children and families. Community schools offer a way to address these issues, combining multiple services to meet the needs of students and families beyond academics.
New Mexico, already burdened with high poverty rates, struggled to cope with the pandemic’s challenges. The state’s school funding was insufficient and poorly allocated, leading to significant academic disparities. The community schools model offered a way to tackle these tough circumstances.
One successful example of the community schools model was found at Doña Ana Elementary, where the program facilitated rapid responses during the pandemic. The school's coordinator played a crucial role in connecting families with essential services, and partnerships with organizations like New Mexico State University offered valuable support.
Despite evidence supporting the effectiveness of the community schools model, some ideologues reject the idea of physical schools and emphasize online education. However, advocates like Parr-Sanchez believe that schools will be viewed as essential post-pandemic, making it crucial to invest in and fund community schools.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of physical schools and the need for holistic approaches to education. The community schools model offers a promising pathway forward, providing vital support for students and families beyond traditional academics and addressing the underlying inequalities in education and society. With proper funding and support, community schools can lead the way to a more equitable and effective education system.
🔭 This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.
