Education in the Time of Covid-19

Covid-19 has greatly impacted everyone this year. This deadly pandemic has caused a variety of changes for schools, such as trying to find ways to keep everyone safe, stopping the spread of Covid-19, and still providing a well-balanced education.

According to the South Dakota Department of Health, as of Oct. 21 there where a total of 2,896 cases within K-12 schools. South Dakota is doing many things to keep the spread of Covid-19 under control, such as wearing masks, social distancing as much as possible, and cleaning surfaces of high traffic areas. The Sioux Falls School District decided to continue with in person learning, if a student or teacher is to test positive for Covid-19 they will quarantine for 14 days and then return to school. If you were a possible close contact with someone who tested positive, as long as you were wearing your mask, and test negative you DO NOT have to quarantine, and can stay in school.

 March 13, 2020 was the day many students and staff went home thinking about how they might have an extra week off of school, not knowing that was the last day of school in person for the 2019-2020 school year. Much of the United States went to online school during this time, and according to Journalistsresource.org students have fallen behind in online school compared to years past with traditional schooling. 

Covid-19 has affected students in many ways. For some, online schooling has made it difficult to get schoolwork turned in, or to focus on their education. However, some students have found great success with online schooling, finding it easier to focus and turn in assignments.

Covid-19 has also affected teachers. The fear of bringing the disease home to family members has been at the top of their of list worries. Teachers this year have found ways to keep their students and themselves safe, by extra cleaning, mask wearing, and social distancing while in their classrooms. These additions were a new adjustment for students and staff but are quickly becoming normal for everyone.

Covid-19 has changed everyone in some way, and the world of education is greatly impacted. Students and staff have had to make great adjustments and have created a new normal for education. Perhaps it’s time to remember the words of one of history’s greatest teachers.

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”- Socrates