Schools across the country are opening as superintendents and school boards decide on best practices for keeping students safe and COVID-free. Some say that the reopening of schools should have been universally led by the Secretary of Education. Without regard to political affiliation, we ponder how much regulation and oversight is needed in returning to school nationally. Should we have a unified effort and plan from the Secretary of Education, or should decisions about openings be left up to local school boards? 

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Nida Saeed and Jeremy Sanders about their approach to these questions. I met Dr. Saeed in the Digital Learning Department of Fort Bend ISD which we both worked in during her undergraduate studies. She is a gifted educator who specializes in integrating Writing curricula with technology, as well as an expert on cultural awareness for Muslim Americans fostering inclusive environments in school settings. Mr. Sanders is an assistant principal in Galena Park ISD. He works at one of the largest high schools in the state of Texas, boasting a student body of 4,500 students. 

An overwhelming number of parents have expressed concerns about sending their children back to school during this era of COVID-19. From what the experts in medicine tell us about this coronavirus and its impact on children, should parents be worried about their kids contracting and spreading the virus? With over 170,000 students in the USA returning to school in some form or fashion this week, schools’ ability to socially distance and educate will be under the microscope. Teachers, administrators, parents, and students will take part in  “the great experiment,” perhaps trading health and wellbeing for a chance to be with their peers in a traditional educational setting.

—William Jeffery is curating Flipboard EDU Podcast

“Coach Jeffery” is an award-winning digital learning educator and assistant principal at Columbia High School in Texas. His tech pedagogy continues to drive him to curate educational content on Flipboard that highlights teaching strategies, edtech, and ways to improve student success. He started co-hosting the “Flipboard EDU Podcast” as yet another way to share resources with his peers.