As Governor Andrew Cuomo starts to allow regions of the state to reopen, many have the same question on their minds. “How is this going to change the rest of our high school life?” Here we take a look into three of the most possible scenarios.

Full Virtual Idea

Recently, Cuomo proposed that schools across NYS go completely virtual after the pandemic is over. Although this is possible, it’s the least popular idea for change. Cuomo’s plan would completely remove the need for physical school buildings and would require students to do all learning through technology. The plan drew quite the backlash from students, teachers and parents alike, with a petition racking up over 140,000 signatures as of Monday.

The plan isn’t exactly the most thought out one either. It doesn’t properly account for the thousands of students without access to a stable internet connection or device as well as the thousands of students whose services are only provided through schools. Aside from the challenges already brought up, some people are also against the plan solely because it is backed by the Gates Foundation. The Gates Foundation were involved with Achieve, Inc., a major player in the creation of the now infamous Common Core standards. In addition, The Gates Foundation has also funded vaccination efforts around the world and, as a result, has been the center of numerous conspiracy theories.

For now, it’s safe to say that the possibility of this actually happening is comfortably low.

Part-Time Virtual Learning

This is one of the most common ideas districts are working on based on feedback and other information. The idea involves a minimum of 2 groups of students that would rotate on an every other day or a morning and afternoon cycle. The typical school day for the in-person students would be similar to this:

Students that take the bus would be staggered as they enter the building. Only one bus would drop off students at a time. The students would enter the building, get their temperature taken and then be guided straight to a classroom. No socializing with friends and no stopping at your locker. Students would then enter the classroom and remain there for the rest of the day. They would not leave the room for any reason other than restroom visits. Periods would still exist but only the teachers would move from room to room to teach the students. Lunch would be brought to the classroom to reduce contamination in places such as the serving line. At the end of the day, you get back on the bus and head home.

Now, before you start freaking out, remember this is just a popular idea among districts. Most schools have no official plan at this time and students shouldn’t worry until closer to the fall semester.

College Style Learning

This idea is not as popular it seems, especially with students. Although it would technically be less time than what we spend in school now, it would require just as much work. This idea would follow a style similar to part-time virtual learning. However, students would only spend roughly 3 hours a day at school compared to the roughly 6.5 hours many students normally spend a day. Of course, the work would change to match the environment.

It’d be expected that teachers would lecture in class and then assign multiple assignments until you see them again. This idea is geared more towards the students that can work well at home and focus better in a home setting, think homeschooling, but also allows for some flexibility. Most plans that follow this idea start school around 11am and end around 1 or 2pm and then add another two or so hours of homework a night to accomplish what is needed for that class.

Which option do you think is the most reasonable? What is going to work the best? Send us an email and tell us!