A School Carol
Instead of humbugs, let’s appreciate how remote learning can improve education
December is a time when stories about the holidays dominate our screens, but this year, because of COVID-19, none will resonate more than the story of Scrooge. The classic tale from “A Christmas Carol” is depicted differently in film and television, but in most versions Scrooge is visited by three ghosts.
The first ghost takes Scrooge on a journey to his carefree past, which this year may remind us of when we were not concerned about a virus. The second ghost allows Scrooge a glimpse of families celebrating the holiday, but only from a distance, echoing our current reality of social distancing— even at family gatherings. The third ghost predicts a grim future for Scrooge if he does not change his ways, not unlike health officials warning us of trouble ahead if we do not wear masks. The three ghosts frighten Scrooge into changing his outlook; instead of saying “bah humbug,” Scrooge begins to appreciate how the world can be if he tries to improve things.
Students and educators at all levels of our education system have been uniquely challenged this year by COVID-19. We may have thought “bah humbug” when schools announced remote classes. Now, as many schools continue remote learning due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, it is difficult for
us to take because we do not know when the crisis will end; we are still in the middle of the story.
We might be able to better appreciate what we have, and anticipate good things to come if, like Scrooge, we change our mindset. Here are five things to appreciate about how our schools are adapting as we move from the middle of the story to the next chapter — when we will have curbed the spread of the virus.
Investment in strong public schools
Since COVID-19 forced schools to pivot to remote learning, parents and students have a newfound appreciation for the importance of public schools. As schools closed, parents became aware of how much they had anchored their own daily lives around our schools. Parents and communities recognized more than ever that schools provide:
• Caretaking by providing essential services, food, and safe environments