The teachers’ union leaders say they are satisfied with Biden’s sense of urgency and focus, but warn that the 100-day promise could be a goal, not a fixed goal.
Biden is expected to sign several executive actions on Thursday, his second day in office, to help support the reopening goal and establish a national strategy to bring the coronavirus under control, but the measures do not require schools to reopen within. any defined term.
An executive order will direct the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services to provide reopening guidance to schools with a focus on masking, testing and cleaning. A separate presidential memo will offer schools reimbursement for purchases of personal protective equipment through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster relief fund.
In a call to reporters on Wednesday, Carole Johnson, test coordinator for Covid de Biden, acknowledged that the reopening schedule may need to be extended.
“The health and safety of students, educators, staff and families are critical. Management will always be honest about the challenges we face, including addressing how and if changes in the pandemic can impact the reopening of schools or the ability to reopen schools. “Said Johnson.
Union leaders question 100-day deadline
Union leaders describe having a close working relationship with the Biden team, but argue that the 100-day goal is a major challenge.
“I agree with the objective, but I am very concerned about this new variant. None of this is done in isolation,” said Weingarten.
National Education Association President Becky Pringle said the 100-day promise sends a strong message that reopening schools is a priority for Biden, but that “it’s not about the days, it’s about the urgency he’s in. putting in the subject “.
“It is an aggressive plan, no doubt,” added Pringle, noting that “nothing that educators want to do more than be back safely with their children”.
Congress is urged to provide the necessary resources to reopen
Teacher unions and Democrats have long argued that the ability to open schools also depends on available resources. Biden is pressing Congress to approve another $ 170 billion for K-12 schools, colleges and universities to help them operate safely in person or facilitate remote learning. Congress approved $ 82 billion in aid for schools in December, which Biden said he saw as an “entry”.
The American Federation of Teachers is asking for five specific things that schools will need to reopen: tools such as masks and cleaning supplies to mitigate the spread of the virus in buildings, testing and contract tracking, accommodation for teachers at risk, rapid vaccinations for teachers, and honesty and transparency in the guidelines.
Bechara Choucair, Biden’s choice to head vaccine coordination, said on Wednesday that the administration will ask states to open the vaccine’s eligibility for teachers, along with first responders, grocery workers and people over 65.