News Summary
Recent research supports the measures taken by teachers’ unions during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting that school closures were essential in managing virus transmission. Critics argue that closures were unnecessary; however, significant data indicates that many COVID-19 transmissions began with pediatric cases. Despite concerns about learning loss, polls show parental satisfaction with remote learning, suggesting that families acknowledged the need for these precautions. Unions emphasize their commitment to public health, equitable education, and protecting marginalized communities amidst ongoing challenges in the education sector.
Los Angeles, CA — Research has emerged supporting teachers’ unions’ policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, countering criticisms that school closures were unwarranted and detrimental to children’s education. The debate centers around the balance between public health and educational needs, with growing evidence suggesting that school closures played a significant role in managing the spread of the virus.
Critics have pointed to the relatively low risk of severe illness from COVID-19 in children, claiming that interruptions to schooling were largely unnecessary. However, a cohort study analyzing data from over 165,000 American households indicates that more than 70% of household transmissions began with a pediatric case, underscoring the role of children in spreading the virus. This research is essential in reconsidering the context and implications of school closures.
David Zweig, a journalist, likens the decision to close schools to “steering a car off the road” with children still inside, while others, including Ben Austin of Education Civil Rights Now, have accused unions such as United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) of misusing their influence to keep students home indefinitely. Corey DeAngelis from the CATO Institute argues that unions prioritized their demands over the needs of children during the pandemic.
The narrative that school closures caused significant learning loss has become a focal point for criticism directed at teachers’ unions. However, advocates for these unions assert that protecting public health was paramount. Studies have shown that school closures were associated with reduced COVID-19 transmission, morbidity, and mortality in communities. Findings from research published in “PLOS Medicine” concluded that school closures significantly lowered peak hospital occupancy rates in numerous countries during similar health crises.
The British Medical Association corroborates these findings, linking school closures to decreased COVID-19 transmission rates. Additionally, a study titled “COVID-19–Associated Orphanhood and Caregiver Death” revealed that over 140,000 American children lost a parent or grandparent to COVID-19, with children from minority backgrounds experiencing disproportionately high rates of loss.
Despite discussions around learning loss, two national polls indicated that between two-thirds and three-fourths of parents believed their children received adequate instruction during remote learning periods. In a survey from March 2021, only 15% of parents expressed a desire for their children to return to in-person classes immediately, suggesting that many families accepted the necessity of these temporary measures.
Opponents of teachers’ unions claim they hindered parental involvement in decision-making regarding school closures. Yet, the available data reflects considerable parental satisfaction with remote learning adaptations. Educators emphasize their commitment to protecting students and families, maintaining that actions taken by unions were in good faith based on the best evidence available at the time.
Additionally, the UTLA’s bargaining efforts reflect a broader social justice agenda, advocating for better wages, reduced class sizes, and increased resources for low-income and marginalized communities. This emphasis on equitable educational opportunities demonstrates that the union’s goals extended beyond mere job security and included a commitment to promoting diversity and support for underserved populations.
As schools navigate ongoing challenges, including teacher layoffs prompted by declining enrollment and diminishing federal COVID relief funds, the complexity of the situation remains evident. The educational landscape continues to evolve as an understanding of the pandemic’s impact unfolds. Collaborations among educators, parents, and policymakers will be crucial in addressing the long-term effects of COVID-19 on schooling and developing more resilient educational frameworks for the future.
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Additional Resources
- The Hill: Teachers’ unions and COVID-19 school closures
- LA Times: L.A. teachers union pursues salary hike and progressive goals
- Capital & Main: Teachers across California organizing across districts
- Google Search: Teachers unions COVID-19 school closures
- Newsweek: Thousands of teachers in California union raise alarm
- Google Scholar: Teachers unions COVID-19 impact
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CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
