coronavirus and school reopening

The president spoke to CNN and a small group of socially distanced Americans about his coronavirus response.

The emergency order points to a “disproportionate numbers of educationally disadvantaged students learning off-campus or not attending school at all" due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He says school districts should "stay the course" and reiterated that schools "have been operating safely for in-person instruction since last August."

Florida lawmakers will deal with the pandemic’s impact on education when they reconvene in Tallahassee in March. Among the issues: a steep drop in student attendance, growing concerns about learning losses and a Republican effort to consolidate the state’s school choice programs.

In-person school is far better for most students — both for their education and social development. But the survey found teachers and parents are equally divided on whether it’s worth the risk.

Federal researchers say, with proper safety precautions, schools don't seem to fuel outbreaks, with some exceptions such as indoor sports practices.

President Biden pledged to reopen most of the nation's K-12 schools during his first 100 days. When asked if that goal was "too optimistic," Cardona said, "No, I think it's strong leadership."

Gov. Ron DeSantis said closing schools was a public blunder, and parents can choose between in-school and virtual learning.

For-profit virtual charter schools have been dogged by complaints of low student performance, fraud and waste. Still, many are seeing a pandemic-induced enrollment surge.

New research has found few links between in-person K-12 schooling and COVID-19 case rates. "There is not a consistent pattern," one study author said.

Thousands of parents have told the Pinellas County school district that they want their children to return to campus after starting the school year online.

Many parents appear to be keeping their children out of public school, especially from kindergarten. The declines could mean less state funding for school districts.