Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

Op Ed
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By Rosanne Crawford of Santa Barbara

Continuing remote only learning is hurting children and families in our community.

On Tuesday 7/21/2020 the Santa Barbara School District will discuss remaining in virtual learning only operation at this time for the fall. Please encourage them to prepare to possibly shift to a hybrid model split between on campus and virtual learning when our county falls off the monitoring list.

 To participate by Zoom go to https://www.sbunified.org/board/board-meetings/

Select date of meeting 7/21/20 and open agenda. The agenda has a” link” complete this form with cut off at noon Tuesday to register to receive an email for a participation link.

The Governor’s Order

The new mandate states our county has to meet its metrics established by our Public Health Department to get off the “hit list” to open schools. Our County was placed on the State monitoring list based on several factors that include hospitalizations, hospital capacity and the number of new cases. See the data they are monitoring here: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/CountyMonitoringDataStep1.aspx. Santa Barbara is currently measuring at 244.1 cases per 100,000 in the last 14 days, above the state threshold of 100 per 100,000 or less. 

The Public Health Department, County and City of Santa Barbara have been doing a great job of outreach promoting physical distancing, face masks, washing hands and discouraging large groups and multiple family gatherings during this pandemic. Cases have dropped down in the last few days. 

We could have a whole different picture as early as mid August if the promising trend continues. People get the message.

The collateral damage of keeping schools closed

·       Stress related increase of mental illness including depression

·       Learning  regression, hardest hit are English learners

·       Low income and working parents struggling with inequity of technology access interrupting learning

·       Student remote fatigue, parent fatigue juggling supervision and providing mid day lunches

·       Deprivation of socialization and emotional learning, hardest hit younger children

·       Economic hardship, parent’s need to go back to work.

·       Families making choices to leave the district for small home school programs having further economic impacts to district in loss of funds

California has no road map for this novel situation with it’s over reaching politics. 

Let’s look to Denmark who was the first country in Europe to shut down. According to Reuters World News, re-opening schools did not worsen outbreaks following a one- month lock down in Denmark. Children between two to 12 years were allowed back in day cares and schools on April 15th. Their data health authorities for the first time say the move did not make the virus proliferate. Finland had similar findings.  A top official there announced similar findings, which nothing so far suggested the corona virus had spread faster since their school opened in mid May. This was backed up by infectious disease specialists in both countries who saw no negative effects from reopening schools.

Back in the school saddle as well is Britain, urged to open when 1500 Pediatricians warned failure to let children back into the classroom will risk “scaring the life chances” of a generation. France moved forward last month calling it a “social emergency” and worried about economic consequences. Germany is already sitting for exams. 

How can we open school safely?

The State has released extensive guidelines for opening schools that meet compliance.  They include criteria for minimizing risk with measures that include teacher’s use of protective face coverings as well as the known top three recommendations that continue to mitigate the spread of the pandemic.

Maximize use of outdoor space on campuses

Our schools have an abundance of outdoor space. Athletic fields, playgrounds, auditoriums, gyms and cafeterias can be set up for distancing. Collaboration would be helpful with the Goleta district. They have already done site visits, measurements and assessments of physical spaces in preparing to get back on campus with their resourceful staff.

There is growing evidence that studies seem to suggest children play a less active role in transmission spread however the high cost of these continued restrictions with remote only learning is hurting children and families. The World Health Organization does not currently see clear answers in the data that have been collected to date around transmission by children. Let’s bring teaching outside and keep things safe. 

Let your voice and opinions be heard.  We can do this!

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sbalice
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Sep 07, 2020 10:42 AM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

Let your voice be heard! There is a Candidates Forum for SBUSD Thursday, September 17 at 7:00 on Zoom. Listen to the candidates and educate yourselves before you vote in November. To receive the Zoom link, RSVP to Candidates' Forum to cns4schools@aol.com. What's your solution?

dukemunson
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Jul 21, 2020 04:20 PM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

I love my kids and honestly think 7 hours of school 5 days a week was too much...5 hours is more than enough if it's a bit more thought out. That being said, I need them out of the house for 12 to 15 hours per week so we can work. So...let's get a little creative and get 3 days per week going or how about giving me some of my property tax money back so I don't have to work as many hours.

dukemunson
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Jul 21, 2020 03:29 PM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

2 or 3 days of outside school should be quite easy to implement... that the district and the teachers union cant make that happen is an indictment of them both.

a-1595366277
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Jul 21, 2020 02:17 PM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

It only takes one online teacher to teach each grade level students in the entire district, or in the entire state. This will result in a huge savings, since K-12 now takes up 50% of all general fund revenues under the Prop 98 guarantee. Where should this saved Prop 98 money go? This is a major fiscal windfall, right when the state can use it most. Assemblywoman Monique Limon, we need your input. Where do we apply K-12 savings after going to full online education - single source instruction now covering the entire state. The day has finally come. Now truly no child will be left behind due to getting stuck with a bad teacher, and the annual dance of the lemons.

a-1595435927
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Jul 22, 2020 09:38 AM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

You are assuming AI cannot replace this function at this grade level? Just ask Alexa. Online K-6 education will be a huge break through to finally undo decades of proven educational malpractice - too many students suffering from too many substandard, tenure-protected teachers who cannot be fired.

PitMix
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Jul 22, 2020 09:01 AM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

You are assuming that a teacher just lectures, and does not have to answer questions, or talk individually to students that don't learn by listening to lectures, or check work, or grade assignments, or any of the thousand things that teachers do each day. But don't let facts get in the way of an argument to get rid of our current educational system.

dukemunson
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Jul 21, 2020 12:10 PM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

The lack of initiative and creativity from the School District is truly disappointing. They could have done any number of thins to wildly lower the number of kids in a single setting (classroom/outside). A combination of 2-3 days per week, putting some outside teaching options in play (tents, etc) and utilizing places like the zoo that could have opened up mornings as a spot for them. Instead...they are seemingly paralyzed. There is a pathway to 10 person classes at least twice a week...they are doing nothing to make that happen...

a-1595355822
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Jul 21, 2020 11:23 AM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

Teacher union refusal to reopen schools until their long list of demands are met ........." could backfire spectacularly if frustrated parents abandon public education and take advantage of free online education options, such as those offered by K12.com, to organize new private schools or home-schooling cooperatives...". SEE: K12.COM

mm1970
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Jul 22, 2020 12:34 PM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

PITMIX yep. This is why the district is trying to focus so much on the poorer children to bridge the gap. And why the Fair Education group is so up in arms. Their kids are fine and will continue to be fine and hate to see focus on someone else. One of the speakers at last night's meeting was encouraging parents to drop out and home school or online charter because of our "failing schools". Yeah, it was a white woman who doesn't like "new history" or sex ed. Sorry to tell you lady, but my kids are getting a great education.

PitMix
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Jul 22, 2020 11:14 AM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

Schools are actually doing just fine for middle class and upper class students. Educational achievement for those groups is comparable to the best systems in the world. It is only when you throw poor kids into the average that the numbers go down. No public school system can offset the effects of poverty and broken families. Face to face or online. Until you provide a solution to that, then you are just blowing smoke and it seems, anti-union.

a-1595436237
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Jul 22, 2020 09:43 AM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

PITMIX, the federal Dept of Educaton along business consortiums have an interest in a well educated population. Agree, let's track down its funding source and mission. Then compare it to the funding sourcea and mission of our chronically failing government K-12 schools. How much revenue loss will teachers unions face, when current $1000 a year dues paying teachers are replaced with only a few online master teachers? Lynda.com proved how effective excellent online education can be, plus being tailored to individual needs.

PitMix
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Jul 22, 2020 09:05 AM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

2:08, it's FREE! When I get offered something that sounds too good to be true, I immediately look around for the sucker in the room. If I don't see one, then I know it is me. K12S costs money to run, and they are getting that $ from somewhere. I'll bet it is from the State for every student they sign up, which takes money away from local schools. And guess where the state gets their money? From your taxes! Do you really not know this or are you being deceptive on purpose?

a-1595365704
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Jul 21, 2020 02:08 PM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

Parents who are tired of getting a #45 ranked teacher union education for their kids in public schools, can now use K12.com to actually supplement their kids in private what they are supposed to have learned in public K-12, But did not. K12.com is free and getting rave reviews from parents. Make up for the current failed online K-12 online disaster. No, this is not an ad because this K12 supplement education offer is free. One will expect this education model to ramp up, as more parents recognize the value of this free K-12 model.

sbdude
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Jul 21, 2020 11:38 AM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

@11:23. This makes no sense. Basically it says that parents, unhappy that schools are opening up online, are threatening to take their kids out of public schools and put them in online schools.

a-1595354415
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Jul 21, 2020 11:00 AM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

Gov Newsom and the teachers unions just signed a deal - schools don't have to re-open and no one gets fired, while everyone still gets full pay: ..........."California teachers’ unions won a victory when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a budget trailer bill that bases school funding levels for the new school year on the attendance in the previous school year. This cheats growing charter schools, often non-union, of the revenue to educate newly enrolled students. The new law also prohibits layoffs of teachers or other school employees through June of 2021.
So even if the schools are closed, everybody gets paid."..... (Calif Review)

comment1
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Jul 21, 2020 10:23 AM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

What I don't get is why being home with a parent is harmful socialization for small children. If the parent is home with the children and the children are being harmed by that parents' socialization, then that would be child abuse. Whoever does not understand that parents are the best socializers of their own children are mistaken. Why would you even have children if you are unable to socialize your own children.

GeneralTree
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Jul 21, 2020 09:59 AM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

Really shows how the importance of parenting have gone down in our country. Can't even help their kids with a few lessons and make snacks during the day without blowing a gasket.

PitMix
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Jul 21, 2020 01:18 PM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

Someone who thinks homeschooling kids consists of a few lessons and making snacks has not done it, or anything remotely like it. But I guess your point is not to make sure parents are fully acknowledged for all of their hard work. I think there are more good parents around than ever before, but still not enough of them.

biguglystick
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Jul 21, 2020 01:02 PM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

I swear people should pass an intelligence and competence test before being allowed to breed! I joke, but only halfheartedly.

SBLetsGetAlong
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Jul 21, 2020 08:59 AM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

The statistics and science do not support closed schools. In fact they reinforce opening schools looking at the stats of failed businesses, unemployment, child suicide rates, etc...

Active Cases 274 down from over 400.
Active Cases have remained stable throughout this time.
Hospitalization remains stable, two people are no longer in ICU, and deaths have remained steady. Hospitals are 62% capacity including non Covid. Out of area hospitals want to send their patients here because we have had room throughout this time.
Despite 4th of July and “family BBQs” & tourists, despite Memorial Day Weekend, Despite LA & Ventura beach closings, despite the two hot weekends in the beginning of May.
So how many “holidays” do we need to get through with a steady Active Case rate before we go to the next phase?
Why is SB closed?
Since March 4,991 positive cases out of 445,000 residents 1.12%
32 deaths out of 445,000 people.
64,908 tests given.
7.6% positive testing rate. Below the 10% threshold
Why are the schools closed? Science and statistics do not support the closures.

mm1970
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Jul 22, 2020 01:17 PM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

Also, if you look at the required metric for case rate of <100 per 100,000 residents - South county does not meet that metric on its own (within the SBUSD). South county alone is at a case rate of ~150. (Governor's order is by county anyway. Even if it were by school district, we don't meet it.)

a-1595448250
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Jul 22, 2020 01:04 PM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

But why is SBUSD closed (by Newsom) when the state metric is exceeded by Santa Maria, 60+ miles from Santa Barbara? County Health reported 295 active COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, 19 of which were from Santa Barbara.

biguglystick
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Jul 21, 2020 01:04 PM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

I don't know where you are getting your info from, but we are at and above the 10% threshold. We do not meet the metric for reopening schools yet. I'm so glad I do not have children! I've never been more glad about it.

mm1970
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Jul 21, 2020 10:57 AM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

The average % positive rate for the entire month of July is >10% so far. SB is closed because we don't meet the state required metrics for opening schools. Even when we do, the requirements to remain open are pretty strict (from a standpoint of disinfecting, mask wearing, and keeping 6' distance). We aren't going to be back to "normal" even when we drop off the list.

Plambsb
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Jul 21, 2020 08:27 AM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

Outdoor classrooms are an asset to learning and good health. Get the children off computers, get them moving, contemplating, and creating.

biguglystick
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Jul 21, 2020 01:04 PM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

EXACTLY! And teach kids a healthy respect for our outdoor environment while we are at it. Respecting nature, not littering, caring for our wild neighbors, etc.... NOW is the time! Get to it!

pstarSR
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Jul 21, 2020 08:00 AM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

Im sorry but " Student remote fatigue, parent fatigue juggling supervision and providing mid day lunches"

you are a parent! this is your duty! heaven forbid you provide supervision and a midday lunch

sacjon
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Jul 22, 2020 11:08 AM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

MM1970 - I couldn't have said it better myself! The people here talking down to working parents for being concerned about having to take on a teacher's role, in addition to their parental roles of earning the money to keep their kids fed and housed, are out of touch or just plain trolling. Sure, if you're a tech CEO or surgeon and your spouse has the luxury of being a stay at home parent, well good for you! Fact is, most of us in this town are working parents and adding this new role as zoom supervisor was not what we planned for, nor is it easy. Thank you for all you do for your kids! We're doing the same here for ours. Parents rock!

mm1970
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Jul 22, 2020 10:51 AM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

5:00, yeah my kids won't be able to afford to live here. That's ok. Wherever they live, the first one to have grandchildren might find us moving to be near them. I'm not living anywhere near where I grew up either.

mm1970
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Jul 22, 2020 10:48 AM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

@GENERAL TREE. Who said that? I mean, we like to eat. That's a bonus. The fact of the matter is, we've got two GREAT kids. They are getting a fabulous education and have made great friends in school. We never ever intended to homeschool - like the vast majority of Americans. If we had, our lives would be very different right now. Summer is fine - it's awesome, we're managing. But the point of school is ... school. If, in addition to regular life, we have to manage 4 hours of zoom a day for a 7 or 8 year old - well, it's not really manageable, now is it? You've never done it, I'm sure (the teenager is self sufficient). Basically, it's not manageable because 5 yo's through 8 or 9 yo's aren't independent. That's why they have classrooms, and teachers - to get them through lectures and homework. Well, homework we can handle. But 4 hours a day of lectures? Cannot be done via zoom without parental intervention. (I'd like to point out that it's ENTIRELY developmentally appropriate for a typical elementary school kid to be this way. He's not broken.) Now, will we manage? Sure, we've got it a metric ton easier than people who cannot work from home, don't have flexible schedules, and aren't living multiple families to a house. (Although I may have to take conf calls in my car.) To suggest that DURING A PANDEMIC that any parent isn't putting their kid first is, well, ridiculous and quite trollish. Welcome to 2020 bud.

a-1595378994
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Jul 21, 2020 05:49 PM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

5:00 - The ocean, the mountains, top rated high schools and university. Yeah, there may be better (ie, cheaper) places to raise a family, but they don't have all this. And no, I'm not expecting teachers to babysit, I'm just saying it's crappy to talk down to working parents and "lecture" them about not being "responsible." You either live in Hope Ranch or have no kids, clearly.

dukemunson
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Jul 21, 2020 05:01 PM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

Actually teachers literally are babysitters. That is the definition of their job. To spend X number of hours with our kids for X amount of dollars.

a-1595376003
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Jul 21, 2020 05:00 PM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

"I didn't sign up for homeschooling my kids." also "We're both working so we can afford to live in a beautiful town with great schools and opportunities for kids! Parents work FOR THE KIDS! You have no idea the sacrifice some of us working parents have had to give in order for our kids to grow up in a wonderful place like this. " Your kids are YOUR responsibility. Teachers are not babysitters. Those of you complaining because You are sacrificing so that YOU can live in a beautiful town- Not for your kids. Future opportunities for your kids are not good here. Where will they live? They would have been happier having more available, less stressed out parents and growing up somewhere else that isn't so expensive, also with great schools (most likely better). But they'll never know it because this is all they know.

a-1595361858
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Jul 21, 2020 01:04 PM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

GENERALTREE - how dare you? Do you even have kids? You are saying both parents working is putting their careers before their kids? WTH? Do you think working parents are doing so just to advance themselves? No! We're both working so we can afford to live in a beautiful town with great schools and opportunities for kids! Parents work FOR THE KIDS! You have no idea the sacrifice some of us working parents have had to give in order for our kids to grow up in a wonderful place like this. THAT is taking care of your kids. Doing whatever it takes to give your children the schooling and environment that we have. You're awful for saying MM1970 is putting their career before their kid just because they're a working parent. Shame on you.

a-1595355123
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Jul 21, 2020 11:12 AM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

How does this explain the fact schools now feed students two meals a day and is a huge monthly revenue loss for SBUSD? Shouldn't parents fix them breakfast and pack a lunch while they are in school, if this is part of a parnnt's duties. I think they are, but where was this argument when the schools took over feeding all students two meals a day summer and while in class. And calling it a crisis when schools closed and the kids could no longer get their meals there, including sending out food trucks and arranging for meal pick up systemss because the schools long ago became the primary nutrition source for a generation of school kids. Aruments against this to the contrary are amusing to say the least, in not terribly sad. Yes, home and parenting should be he primary source for a child's nutritional needs. Let's go back to that. And stop this huge revenue drain at SBUSD, feeding all students two meals a day.

mm1970
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Jul 21, 2020 10:59 AM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

I didn't sign up to homeschool my children. We both have full time jobs, and trying to manage a 7 year old's zoom schedule is not a welcome addition to our day. I'd have started homeschooling 10 years ago if that's what I wanted. It's not.

sacjon
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Jul 21, 2020 10:07 AM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

PSTARSR - Before you come down on parents, remember - not everyone is a stay at home mom/dad. Most of us are working parents that relied on schools during the school year to teach our kids. Working from home (or office) and also supervising our kids is not easy. Feeding them shouldn't be a problem though, not sure how that was an issue with anyone. But, sometimes we're on conference calls at the same time our kids need assistance with their zoom meeting/classwork/homework/fighting with their siblings, etc... It's not all fun and games with mom packing bento box lunches everyday. The reality is well, real!

PitMix
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Jul 21, 2020 07:26 AM
Let’s Plan for a Hybrid Model in Schools

Difference between the US and Denmark is testing availability and contact tracing. When we match them on this, then we can think about following their model.

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