The Case Against Hybrid School
Erin Smith '21 Social Media Manager
Although many students are anxious to return to in-person learning, the proposed hybrid model is not well developed. Returning to in-person learning should not occur until there is a better alternative. Many students want to return to in-person instruction to get the hands-on experience that virtual learning denies them, but the proposed hybrid model does not allow this. In the model, teachers have to instruct students present in the classroom and online at the same time; students will be doing what they would do at home, but in a classroom. Certain lessons that cannot be replicated online, such as labs and groupwork, are not being brought back. For example, many biology, chemistry and physics labs cannot occur virtually because students may not have access to the same materials at home that they would in a school lab. In the proposed hybrid model, these in-person labs are not coming back, making the return to in-person learning not worthwhile. Senior Courntey Pasternak agrees that returning to in-person learning is not worth it if no real instructional changes are being made: “The plan seems pointless to me. The fact is that if students were to return to school in the hybrid model, they would be doing the same work as they would if students remained virtual. The plan suggests that students would be working online and attending the virtual meeting, but in person.” Science teacher Mrs. Stephanie Mabrey shares a similar opinion: “Unfortunately, the current plan in place feels a lot like virtual learning but in the school building.”
Another part of the hybrid model that is not favorable is the longer class periods. It is hard enough to stay engaged in the isolated learning environment for 45 minutes; doubling this time will make it difficult for a lot of students to stay involved with their courses. Senior Ryan Guth agrees that having longer classes would be a difficult shift; “Since school being online, I can hardly focus for 45 minutes, let alone 90 minutes for classes in person.” The longer class duration will be harder on students mentally. With the ongoing pandemic, students do not need any additional challenges to add to their stress.
Additionally, there are a lot of unknowns and underdeveloped parts within the proposed hybrid model. A lot of these unknowns deal with the health and safety of students and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. All people in the buildings will have to wear masks at all times, and students will be seated six feet apart. While these measures are important, there are other health concerns that have not been fully figured out. Mrs. Mabrey brings up some great questions about how health concerns are going to be touched upon during hybrid learning, asking, “How will classrooms be cleaned in between classes? Where will teachers go that share rooms? Will there only be one student allowed in the bathroom at a time? How will the bathroom be cleaned?” Solutions to these questions will need to be figured out before any type of in-person learning can resume; otherwise, the health and safety of students and staff members may be at risk. Although in-person learning is essential for the development of students, the health and safety of students and staff members is more important. A hybrid-model sounds like a good idea, but the proposed plan is not adequate. Until a safe, effective plan is proposed, it is best for students to continue with a fully virtual school schedule.
Another part of the hybrid model that is not favorable is the longer class periods. It is hard enough to stay engaged in the isolated learning environment for 45 minutes; doubling this time will make it difficult for a lot of students to stay involved with their courses. Senior Ryan Guth agrees that having longer classes would be a difficult shift; “Since school being online, I can hardly focus for 45 minutes, let alone 90 minutes for classes in person.” The longer class duration will be harder on students mentally. With the ongoing pandemic, students do not need any additional challenges to add to their stress.
Additionally, there are a lot of unknowns and underdeveloped parts within the proposed hybrid model. A lot of these unknowns deal with the health and safety of students and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. All people in the buildings will have to wear masks at all times, and students will be seated six feet apart. While these measures are important, there are other health concerns that have not been fully figured out. Mrs. Mabrey brings up some great questions about how health concerns are going to be touched upon during hybrid learning, asking, “How will classrooms be cleaned in between classes? Where will teachers go that share rooms? Will there only be one student allowed in the bathroom at a time? How will the bathroom be cleaned?” Solutions to these questions will need to be figured out before any type of in-person learning can resume; otherwise, the health and safety of students and staff members may be at risk. Although in-person learning is essential for the development of students, the health and safety of students and staff members is more important. A hybrid-model sounds like a good idea, but the proposed plan is not adequate. Until a safe, effective plan is proposed, it is best for students to continue with a fully virtual school schedule.