Introduction to the Situation
As the city braces for intensified immigration enforcement and the possible arrival of the National Guard, Chicago Public Schools officials continue to stress that school is the safest place for students. They say they do not plan to offer a remote learning option to students. “In-person instruction continues to provide the strongest foundation for learning,” school district officials said in a statement. However, they added that they are monitoring the situation and will reassess if necessary.
The Chicago Teachers Union’s Stance
The Chicago Teachers Union earlier this week called for CPS to be prepared with a remote learning option should some immigrant parents and students be scared to travel to and from schools. An influx of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials and other federal agents are expected in Chicago any day. The Associated Press reported that increased immigration enforcement in the area could last 45 days. CTU President Stacy Davis Gates acknowledged that remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic was problematic. Students fell behind academically and in their social-emotional development and have taken years to recover.
Comparison with Other School Districts
She pointed out that Los Angeles allows public school students access to a virtual option. Los Angeles created six “thematic online Virtual Academy Schools” for students from kindergarten through high school that offer families “a variety of quality online school options.” Alberto M. Carvalho, the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, said in his press conference on the first day of school that he also has concerns about virtual learning, “but it’s still the best option compared to not coming to school at all.” He said that the school district told families “who felt a great deal of fear, that was an option.” Last school year, LAUSD saw a 7% increase in students enrolled in these virtual classes after Trump began his deportation campaign, but by the first week of school this year he said many of those families felt safe enough to bring their children in-person. Carvalho said it was “the result of increased trust and confidence specific to the protection protocols.”
Efforts by the Chicago Teachers Union
Latina King, right, a Chicago Teachers Union delegate and first-grade teacher at Jacob Beidler Elementary School in Garfield Park, hands a flyer explaining individual rights, to parent Wynter Johnson, left, on Friday. The union is raising awareness ahead of the potential deployment of ICE agents and National Guard troops in Chicago.
Existing Virtual Academy
CPS created a virtual academy high school and elementary school after the pandemic, but enrollment is reserved for students who can’t attend school in-person for medical reasons. About 500 students are enrolled in those two schools.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chicago Public Schools’ decision not to offer remote learning options amidst increased immigration enforcement has sparked debate. While CPS stresses the importance of in-person instruction, the Chicago Teachers Union and other districts like Los Angeles suggest that virtual options can provide a safe alternative for families who fear for their safety. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how CPS will respond to the needs of its students and families.
FAQs
- Q: Why is CPS not offering remote learning options?
A: CPS believes that in-person instruction provides the strongest foundation for learning and is monitoring the situation. - Q: What is the Chicago Teachers Union’s stance on remote learning?
A: The CTU is calling for CPS to be prepared with a remote learning option for students who may be scared to travel to and from schools due to increased immigration enforcement. - Q: How does Los Angeles handle virtual learning?
A: Los Angeles offers virtual academy schools for students from kindergarten through high school, providing families with a variety of quality online school options. - Q: What efforts is the Chicago Teachers Union making to support students and families?
A: The CTU is distributing flyers explaining individual rights to parents and positioning itself as a source of information for students and their families to navigate the possibility of being targeted by federal authorities.
Alexander Lonzo, right, a parent of children attending Jacob Beidler Elementary School in Garfield Park, receives a flyer from a CTU member. The union is positioning itself as a source of information for students and their families to navigate the possibility of being targeted by federal authorities.
