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IMO, society needs to have a long conversation on what function school should provide. The reactions to closing during COVID (which was the right response, IMO
by candiddevmike 3y ago
IMO, society needs to have a long conversation on what function school should provide. The reactions to closing during COVID (which was the right response, IMO) proved no one agrees on this, and I think a lot of our education problems stem from the disconnect between what people think school's role is (parents, kids, educators, administrators, lawmakers...).
- ultrarunner 3y agoMy dad, a teacher now nearing retirement, expressed during the early days of covid that schools were primarily government-provided daycare services. His concern was that the economy would crumble if schools were kept closed. Then the American Federation for Teachers expressed a strong desire to keep schools closed for longer and he quickly reversed course. Even within the system it's abundantly clear that no one is sure of the role their profession plays, but it unfortunately often comes down to politics rather than the needs of students and society. I agree that such a conversation is needed, but I suspect that it would quickly devolve to the same vapid talking points.
- nradov 3y agoNo, that's incorrect. There was never any valid reason for closing schools. Some countries such as Sweden kept primary schools open throughout the pandemic (without mask mandates) and they did fine. Extended school closures in the USA collective punishment of children for the benefit of teacher's unions.