RI Teachers Call For Pause To In-Person Learning

PROVIDENCE, RI — The National Education Society of Rhode Island is calling for in-person learning to be put on hold in the state throughout the holiday season as coronavirus cases continue to climb.

President Larry Purtill, along with Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals President Frank Flynn, called for Gov. Gina Raimondo to pause in-person learning by Nov. 23.

"Rhode Island is experiencing record high number of cases and an overwhelmed Department of Health, despite their best efforts, is falling behind with the required contact tracing that ensures effective quarantining and overall safety of students and educators," Purtill said. "Districts already burdened and stretched thin are not equipped, nor do they have the capacity, to take on this duty."

In a joint statement, the two teachers unions called for Raimondo to take action at this week's news conference, saying it would give the Rhode Island Department of Health time to implement a weekly or biweekly test system in schools and catch up on contact tracing efforts. The pause would also give schools time to install air filters in classrooms and clean facilities, the unions said.

"Moving to distance learning through the holiday season will allow Rhode Island to get the virus under control, offer desperately-needed continuity in student learning, and equip empty buildings with necessary air filters for the colder months ahead," Flynn said. "The conditions are right to take a pause now until we are better prepared to provide a safe and healthy environment for our students, educators and support professionals."

Last week, Raimondo said schools would not close — even as coronavirus cases spike in the state — because schools have been proven not to be superspreaders of the virus since they are a closely monitored, highly structured environment. In addition, she said the downsides of moving to all-virtual learning, such as increases in domestic violence, children falling behind and mental health issues, far outweighed the possible benefits of closing schools, which she thought would not decrease the spread of the virus in the state.

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