In many countries around the world, in-person education is the standard this year, the Heritage Foundation reported, yet Texas students will be spending at least the first three weeks learning from home environments, the Texas Tribune said.
Carol Ramirez, a parent of three children in the La Porte Independent School District (ISD), spoke with the Houston Republic about the impact virtual learning has had on her household. Her children are 17, 12 and 11.
With nine grandchildren and two special needs children who are falling behind due to lack of resources at home, Ramirez told the Houston Republic that she is saddened by the situation school shutdowns have created.
“It’s really hard for them, and it’s hard for the parents, because I’m not a teacher, so I really don’t know how to help them,” Ramirez told the Houston Republic.
Ramirez said she is certain that if in-person schooling doesn’t restart, some of the children won’t make it to the next grade.
The lack of socialization caused by other COVID-19 restrictions coupled with the lack of in-person school is isolating the students, she said.
”They need that contact,” Ramirez said.
The CDC has published a study of the mental health effects of coronavirus restrictions, and it documented the negative mental health effects of the loss of social interaction that restrictions have created, CNN reported.
Ramirez said she also questions whether the risks presented by the novel coronavirus warrant the level of caution that is being forced on students and their families.
”I’m truly sorry for the loss of life,” she told the Houston Republic. Yet, even with those she has known personally who have tested positive for COVID-19, not one has even shown a symptom, let alone become severely ill.
”We’re standing by the rules. You know, we order our groceries in, we wear our masks,” she told the Houston Republic. “If everyone would just follow the simple guidelines, I think we’ll be fine.”
Added to the question of risks is evidence that has emerged that the likelihood of transmission through in-person schooling is little-to-none. A French study has demonstrated that young school children simply aren’t spreading COVID-19, Bloomberg reported. Australia has discovered the transmission rate even among older students is less than 1%, Business Insider reported.
Ultimately, Ramirez had a direct message for those politicians who are taking advantage of coronavirus fears to produce political capital rather than finding solutions that fit the data
”Quit robbing our kids of our faith of their future,” she told the Houston Republic she would say to those making the decisions. “They need to get back into normal living. All of us do.”
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