IL Board of Education ‘Strongly Encourages’ In-Person Classes

Every time I think about the start of a new school year this Fall, I get a little sick to my stomach. Obviously part of me is worried about putting my kids' health at risk, but honestly, I'm mostly worried that in-person classes won't return this year.

I am a firm believer that kids need to be in the classroom with other children and qualified teachers. My family did our darndest to finish every e-learning assignment my daughters were assigned the last weeks of the school year, but it wasn't easy, and it pales in comparison to the vital experiences children receive at school.

To put it simply, I fear our children's education and growth will suffer greatly if in-person classes do not return in the Fall.

That being said, I am not looking forward to arguing with my children about putting on their face masks as they grab their backpacks each school day either, but sadly, I think that is the struggle every parent and student will soon be facing.

SaukValley.com reports;

The Illinois State Board of Education’s forthcoming guidance regarding school this fall “strongly encourages full in-person instruction,” ISBE Chief Education Officer Dr. Ernesto Matias said during ISBE’s board meeting Wednesday.

State Superintendent Dr. Carmen Ayala said that face masks or face shields “are required at all times with students and staff.”

The Illinois State Board of Education's finalized guidelines are expected to be released by the end of June, and will also contain encouraged social distancing practices. Ultimately, the decision of what the 2020/2021 school year looks like will be in the hands of each individual school district, but it's very likely e-learning will play some part in those plans.

Parents, we better start coming up with multiple plans on how to pull off life starting in the Fall right now.

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