District to eschew online learning in event of shutdown
March 12, 2020
Editor’s Note: An updated article on COVID-19 closures can be found here.
While private schools and universities across the country shift to online learning platforms in order to defend against the spread of COVID-19, Palo Alto Unified School District has no plans to enact such a transition in the event of a school shutdown, according to a press release published Monday.
“We [the district] will be suspending all instructional and extra-curricular activities in the event of a school closure,” Superintendent Don Austin wrote in the district’s press release.
In contrast to PAUSD’s policy on online learning, nearby Stanford University is canceling in-person classes “until further notice,” according to a statement published by the university. Instead, the university it hosting classes through Zoom, a video conferencing platform with virtual classroom capabilities.
All of the university’s courses — ranging from lectures to discussion-based classes — are continuing through the online platform, allowing students to post live questions. As the university’s third quarter comes to a close, professors are assigning take-home finals, according to a statement issued to students.
According to Assistant Superintendent Yolanda Conaway, implementing a similar system for PAUSD is not an option due to the fact that it could place certain students at a disadvantage.
“In order to execute a fully operational instructional program, we would need to ensure that every student has access to a computer, internet and home support,” Conaway said. “We just can’t control all of those factors.”
Although some members of Palo Alto High School staff are trained for blended teaching and equipped with online tools to successfully streamline the online effort, Conaway said the current number of qualified leaders won’t suffice.
“While many teachers are well equipped to provide high-quality online support, others have no experience at all,” Conaway said. “This would not be a fair opportunity for all of our students.”
School will remain open as long as no one tests positive for the virus, according to the district’s press release. Nonetheless, in the event of a shutdown, students should expect to be free of schoolwork for the duration of the break.
“Every student should have the benefit of returning to school and picking up their studies where they left off along with all other peers,” Conaway said.
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Sandra Adams • Mar 13, 2020 at 7:43 am
This is inexcusable that the superintendent won’t close the Palo Alto schools. We need to #flattenthecurve now. It is also shocking that we can’t have some kind of online learning here in Silicon Valley when they seem to be doing it in dozens of places in CA and in other states.. Is he aware that the entire state of Michigan has shut down ALL schools in the state. and they have far fewer cases or deaths there. Don’t wait for someone
to be officially ill with the virus! That person is likely already there in the classroom and has not been tested for
the virus due to lack of enough tests or they don’t show
severe symptoms.
My suggestion , in the lack of intelligent leadership from the
superintendent, is to pull your kids out of school NOW. Use your own intellect and judgement. The idea is to #flattenthecurve so we don’t all get sick at once and overwhelm the healthcare system. Then we are in the same situation as Italy which is a nightmare. They are having to make decisions among patients as to who gets ventilators and other care according to age and other circumstances. Don’t let it come to that point here. Keep the kids home please!
Aria Turner • Mar 12, 2020 at 3:42 pm
Menlo Park School District has shown us that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. They are implementing distance learning to start on Monday, while keeping the schools and after school programs open for those for whom distance learning may not be an option. This is a good plan that will reduce volume at schools and allow flexibility for parents.