230. George #covidlawbriefing. School Reopenings and Online Learning.

Published: March 3, 2021, 3:39 p.m.

b'School Reopenings and Online Learning. It is increasingly clear that online learning--especially for younger children--has been one of the most difficult #COVID transitions, with levels of engagement, retention, and mental health plummeting. At the same time, more and more evidence suggests that children under the age of 13 are relatively unlikely to transmit or become seriously sick with the virus. The debate is now escalating around the damage that will be done to students with schools closed, the risks that vulnerable teachers will face with schools open, and the role of vaccine prioritization in potentially threading the needle. This week\\u2019s COVID Law Briefing tackles the ongoing issue and recommends strategies for renewed cooperation. Lance Gable of Wayne State University and Stacie Kershner and Brooke N. Silverthorn both of Georgia State University discuss the legal and public health hurdles of safely reopening schools across the country, as vaccinations become more widespread and the debate surrounding the risks posed to kids and teachers becomes more nuanced.'