Opinion: What Schools Should Do To Be Ready For Reopening In COVID-19 Period

School Reopening: Schools have the responsibility to ensure safety, instil confidence in parents and the community and innovate to close learning gaps.

Education has both individual and societal benefits. The individual returns are in the form of future better employment, salary and living standards. The societal returns are in terms of higher productivity and contribution to the socio-economic development of a nation. Education and health expand capabilities and build human capital. The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting both. Though there is attention on strengthening health services, institutions of learning-schools - have remained closed for far too long. Although the discussion on reopening schools has started, it is tentative, hesitant. So far, only 14 states and union territories in India have either partially opened or have announced plans to re-open schools, mostly for class 9 to 12 only. It is hoped that in the weeks ahead, more states will open for wider school age groups. When they do, bringing children back to the classrooms safely will be a key responsibility. This will depend on the engagement and participation of all key stakeholders and most on the schools itself. How schools prepare for welcoming children to the classrooms will determine everything. Thinking in a structured way to prepare, engage, reimagine and improvise – in short, PERI – can help. Also Read: Maharashtra School Reopening: Varsha Gaikwad Releases SOP