LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A new survey from the Michigan Education Association shows a vast majority of educators are concerned about a full return to in-person learning as coronavirus infection rates continue to rise statewide.
Of the 4,700 educators surveyed, 74 percent prefer full virtual learning for all students or a combination of in-person and virtual learning, while just 26 percent prefer full in-person instruction. And 53 percent of the educators say virtual learning has been effective or somewhat effective, while 41 percent say it has been somewhat ineffective or not effective.
An emergency order by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that goes into effect Wednesday calls for all colleges and high schools in the state to go to all virtual learning for the next three weeks. At a press briefing Tuesday, MEA President Paula Herbart said she thinks the pause for in-person instruction should have been extended to all K-12 instruction, not just high schools.
The survey also showed that 84 percent of educators are very or somewhat concerned about the safety of reopening for full in-person learning, and 68 percent said they feel it’s not likely that schools will be able to reopen in January.
While those surveyed said 91 percent of employees and 78 percent of students are wearing masks most of the time in school, they said only 18 percent of students are socially distancing.
Michigan Education Association President Paula Herbart (courtesy of MEA Zoom meeting)
